Northwest Wine Festival - White Gold

You could say that 2005 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris is the gold standard for Pinot Gris. Perfectly balanced, fresh, clean, with a hint of mineral feel and a hint of fruitiness. The judges called it a "complete" Pinot Gris. Viento 2005 Underwood Mountain Vineyard carried away the gold for Riesling. Kiona got some more gold for their 2005 Chenin Blanc Ice Wine. King Estate got a gold for their Signature Collection Vin Glace Pinot Gris. The judges described San Juan Vineyard's gold-winning Siegerrebe 2005 as "spectacular." Mountain Dome Winery produced a winning sparkler that could easily compete with any sparkling wine from California. My favorite white that the judges somehow overlooked was the very dry 2005 Muscat Canelli from Yellow Hawk Winery. Totally Alsatian in style, but with the complex floral and spicy flavors of Muscat Canelli.