Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir

Our first tasting focused on varietals started with pinot grigio and pinot noir. It was also a celebration of Haley's birthday (yay!) and we tried a mixed ginger beer drink that Ingrid supplied (delicious, as long as you like both beer and ginger). We were pretty critical this time around. Maybe we're getting too wine-snobbish?

Thing I learned-- pinot grigio and pinot gris are from the same grape, but processed differently. Pinot grigio is the lighter and fruitier of the two, originating in Italy.

A. The Naked Grape Pinot Grigio NV - more info
Appearance: Very light, damn clear
Nose: 2.3
Aroma: 3.3
Balance: 3
Complexity: 2
Finish: 2 - metallic
Comments: Would make a good white sangria, unimpressed, not good on its own.

B. Ménage à Trois Pinot Grigio 2011 - more info
Appearance: Light straw
Nose: 2.6
Aroma: A crispy 3 (apple, not french fry)
Balance: 4 -> 2
Complexity: 2.2
Finish: 1.9 - sooooo acidic
Comments: "If you spit it out, it would be lovely." "Just the tip!"

C. Barrymore Pinot Grigio 2011 - more info
Appearance: Same as above
Nose: π/2
Aroma: 2 - unripe strawberries
Balance: 3.5
Complexity: 1.999999
Finish: 2 - short and innocuous
Comments: Better than expected, more front of the mouth, a "washing things down with dinner" wine, can hold its own against creamy dishes.

D. Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris 2009 - more info
Appearance: Same as always, a little bit more clear
Nose: 1.5
Aroma: 3.5
Balance: 2.1
Complexity: 2
Finish: 3 - but not much going on
Comments: Neutral, watery.

E. Cloud Break Pinot Noir 2011 - more info
Appearance: Pretty, red
Nose: 3.5
Aroma: 3.9
Balance: 2.5
Complexity: 2
Finish: 3 - there, but you want it to go
Comments: It seems like it's going to be good, and then you drink it. Jammy. "This hurts my belly."

F. Chateau Bianca Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2010 - more info
Appearance: Marginally lighter, bloody straw
Nose: 2.5
Aroma: 3
Balance: 2
Complexity: 2.3
Finish: 2 - long but bitter
Comments: Makes you take a breath, very dry. Rasperries, tart cherry. Too much acid, too bitter.

G. Cellar No. 8 Pinot Noir 2010 - more info
Appearance: Much darker, murky, 150 NTU
Nose: 3
Aroma: 3.5
Balance: 4
Complexity: 3.2
Finish: 4 - short but pleasant
Comments: Tastes better than it smells, smooth and easy. Strawberry footie pajama jam, footies, but no butt flap.
The all-around favorite.

H. Bearboat Pinot Noir 2008 - more info
Appearance: Really dark, pomegranate molasses
Nose: 2.7
Aroma: 3.6
Balance: 3 - drier
Complexity: 2.3
Finish: 2.6 - solid, but short
Comments: "If my wine is going to be fruity, I want it to be limp-wristed and flamboyant."
The first ever duplicate bottle!