2003 Vintage Select Pinot Gris

Wine Statistics

2003 The Vintage

The year 2003 was marked by an occurrence of late frost throughout the Willamette Valley affecting different vineyards to different degrees. Fortunately, LaVelle Vineyards, with its higher elevation and well-drained slope, was largely unaffected. In turn, there was a period of very warm weather in mid-summer, which rocketed many varietal grapes through veraison (skin color change) and final maturation. Some varietals were ready for harvest up to two weeks before their average time, a side benefit of this being the avoidance of the cooler and wetter weather early November can bring.

2003 Vintage Select Pinot Gris

To an even greater extent than Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris is truly an Oregon-specific varietal, having been more aggressively developed in Oregon than in any other region in the U.S. Our 2003 Pinot Gris was picked between September 26th and October 3rd and vinified by whole-cluster pressing and cool fermentation. Optimum sugar/acid balance required no further malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in the Alsatian style, sur lies, sterile filtered, and bottled on September 2, 2004.

Our 2003 Pinot Gris Vintage Select presents a fruit forward nose, with nuances of melons and pears, and is accompanied by a crisp, clean mouthfeel and a floral finish. A traditional and natural accompaniment to Northwest salmon, our 2003 Pinot Gris also pairs well with pork, fruits and light cheeses.

back to The Wines