About this winery

Sokol Blosser is one of the pioneering estates of the Oregon state wine industry. In 1971 when Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser began converting an old prune orchard into a vineyard they became one of five bonded wineries in the region. In the ensuing decades Oregon’s wine industry has grown (today there are over 500 wineries), changed and blossomed with Sokol Blosser at the forefront. Leading by example in their quest to produce exceptional wines while also promoting social and...

See the SOKOL BLOSSER detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

The spring of 2018 was warmer than the average over the previous 10 years, and fairly dry. Bud break happened in mid-April and Bloom in early June, which can be a treacherous undertaking as the spring weather can mess up a healthy flowering. A giant hail storm descended on the Dundee Hills in early June, but luckily none of the Estate crop was ruined. The summer started like one giant furnace; July was a hot month and there was a lot of above 90 degree days. Just when it seemed like the hot weather would not stop, August came and more moderate weather with it. This helped slow the ripening down, and even cooler weather in September allowed the grapes hang longer, resulting in riper fruit without additional sugar accumulation. The 2018 vintage is our coolest growing season since 2012 and we believe it will be our best vintage since then as well.

Production notes

The grapes were carefully hand harvested at different points in ripeness, 21-24°Brix, to capture variety of flavor profiles making this a more layered wine. When necessary the clusters were sorted by hand to remove any flawed bunches. Gently whole cluster pressed to minimize the extraction of bitterness from the skins. The juice was chilled and allowed to settle for 2 days then moved off the heavy sediment and transferred to stainless steel fermentation tanks. The Pinot Gris is aged in stainless steel vessels to retain and emphasize delicate floral and fruit aromatics. Additionally, the wine was not pushed through malolactic (or secondary) fermentation to maintain the bright acidity in this style of pinot gris. The wine remained in contact with its fine lees and was stirred multiple times during the aging process to broaden the palate and develop weight without high alcohol or sugar. This 2018 blend is made entirely from Sokol Blosser estate grown fruit.

Tasting notes

Bright, refreshing and full of interesting flavors. Strong aromas of elder flower, ripe pears, honey suckle and slight hint of Armenian cucumber combine to create a captivating bouquet. On the palate you will experience flavors of ripe melon, lime zest and lemon pith. This delightful wine finishes crisp with hints of green apple and fresh honeydew melon.