This week's wines include a lovely pinot noir from one of my favorite producers, plus refreshing whites and a rosé to get us thinking about escaping to the shores of the Mediterranean.
Siduri Pinot Noir 2015
3 stars
Willamette Valley, Oregon, $30
Anyone who thought Adam Lee was selling out when Jackson Family Wines bought his Siduri winery in early 2015 should taste this pinot noir from his first post-sale vintage. Fans will note the simplified label that suggests a marketing guru wanted more visual pop in the packaging, but the real impact is in the wine. It is savory, sophisticated, mouth-filling and downright delicious. Alcohol by volume: 14.3 percent.
Anne Amie Vineyards Cuvee A Amrita 2015
2.5 stars
Willamette Valley, Oregon, $16
Quirky white blends are a hallmark of Oregon winemakers. Wineries plant a number of grape varieties to see what works in their vineyards and climate. Then they experiment with creative blends that follow no Old World paradigm - just the winemaker's palate. The Anne Amie Amrita combines Riesling, Muller-Thurgau, pinot blanc, viognier, gewurztraminer and chardonnay into a bright fruit-basket of a wine. A slight effervescence makes it more refreshing. It is delicious by itself, but should pair well with a variety of seafood or spicy dishes. Alcohol by volume: 12.6 percent.
MiMi en Provence Grande Reserve 2016
2 stars
Cotes de Provence, France, $14
Vermentino, called rolle in France, is the grape behind this delightful white. The attractive embossed bottle adds to a sense of sunshine to the wine's scent of white flowers and flavors of ripe peaches.
French Escape 2016
2 stars
Alpes de Haute Provence, France, $15
Who doesn't dream about escaping to the Cote d'Azur in the summertime? Provence rosés can be our spiritual ticket to the Mediterranean. This one offers juicy melon and strawberry flavors with a ripe sweetness to take the edge off your workday. ABV: 12.5 percent.
Carl Weinberg Riesling 2015
1.5 stars
Mosel, Germany, $15
Riesling can be a great warm-weather wine (though I'll drink it any time of year). This one is bright and fruity, with appealing sweetness balanced by acidity. Its low alcohol makes it extra attractive for summer. Drink this by itself or with salty, spicy appetizers. Smoked fish comes to mind. ABV: 9 percent.
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Three stars Exceptional, two stars Excellent, one star Very Good
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Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor.
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