Paul Gregutt's Top Three Wines for 3/3/23

Some high scores here! Visit www.paulgwine.com for the rest of the reviews.

Wine of Week

Ken Wright 2021 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir

Now more than three decades since it was first planted, the Shea vineyard is as iconic in Oregon as any site can claim to be. Dozens of wineries seek these grapes, and it's a pleasure to see what a veteran such as Ken Wright can do with them. He keeps the alcohol low, yielding a bright, savory, spicy wine anchored in brambly berries and tannins reminiscent of herbal tea. Complex and a bit unyielding, this is a wine to aerate aggressively if you are planning to drink it any time soon. Tasted on the second day it was slowly gaining volume. 1432 cases; 12.8%; $65 (Yamhill-Carlton) 94/100

https://shop.kenwrightcellars.com/product/2021-Shea-Pinot-Noir--750mL

Outstanding Value

Panther Creek 2021 Pinot Gris

This is done in a contemporary mode, all stainless fermentation and aging, clean and crisp, with acid-driven citrus and tree fruits. Ten years ago it would have been an outlier for its quality; today it's representative of how good Oregon Pinot Gris has become. Chill lightly and pair with salads, lighter seafood, sushi or pasta in a white sauce. 450 cases; 13.5%; $28 (Willamette Valley) 91/100

https://www.panthercreekcellars.com/product/2021-Panther-Creek-Pinot-Gris

For the Cellar

Holocene 2021 Memorialis Pinot Noir

This wine carries a more specific AVA than the companion Apocrypha though the actual vineyard sources are not disclosed. Aromatic and penetrating, with luscious brambly red fruits, this deftly mixes those slightly candied fruit flavors with broader highlights of Dr. Pepper, hot cinnamon candy and lemon drops. Wow – a lot going on here. Give this one a good look over plenty of time. Still drinking well on day four! CW

260 cases; 13.5%; $65 (Yamhill-Carlton) 95/100

https://holocene-wines.obtainwine.com/product/2021-holocene-memorialis