Francis Coppola Diamond Collection, California (United States) Pinot Grigio 2016

One could argue whether this is closer to the profile of a northeastern Italian Pinot Grigio or a New World Pinot Gris, but there’s no question that this is a delicious wine and a versatile one too (precisely because it straddles the two most famous profiles for this grape variety).  Aromas are subtle but very pleasant, and the ripe pear fruit shows real substance on the palate before being lifted by nice citrus accents in the finish.  There’s just a bit of fruity sweetness, but it is actually quite welcome as a balancing component for the wine’s tart edge and a pleasant little streak of citrus rind bitterness in the finish.  A Double Gold award winner at the 2017 Toast of the Coast Wine Competition.