2020 Bouchaine Vineyards Estate Selection Pinot Gris, Carneros, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Due to Bouchaine Vineyard’s diverse topography and the cooling influence from nearby San Pablo and San Francisco Bays, the vineyard encompasses almost 20 distinct microclimates. On most afternoons, the Carneros winds sweep across the hills, and on most evenings, fog rolls in off the Bay. These cool conditions are perfect for producing vibrant, crisp Pinot Gris.
Bright aromas of melon, lemongrass, and lime. On the palate, citrus and melon with an incredible mineral backbone. Crisp and refreshing!
Bouchaine Vineyards is situated on 104 acres of rolling hills with views across the bay to San Francisco, on the very southernmost tip of Napa Valley. We are the oldest continuously operating winery in the Carneros AVA, and while Bouchaine was founded in 1981, our estate was originally planted to grapevines in the late 1880s. Meticulous viticulture and green-certified farming techniques (Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming), coupled with our estate terroir, allow for crafting award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Bouchaine continually endeavors to create the perfect bottle of wine embodying the excellence of Burgundy, the exuberance of California, and the terroir of Carneros.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2020 Bouchaine Vineyards Estate Selection Pinot Gris - $60 = 23.07%
Although we are not Pinot Gris experts, my Wife really enjoys a good Pinot Gris. She was delighted to discover the 2020 Bouchaine Estate Pinot Gris Estate Selection from Napa Valley’s esteemed Carneros region. This wine defies traditional expectations of the varietal, presenting a captivating paradox of smooth texture and taut minerality.
The nose is subtle, yet inviting, with whispers of pear and citrus that hint at the wine’s underlying complexity. However, it’s the palate that truly showcases the wine’s unique character.
The smooth, rounded body coats the palate, providing a luxurious texture. Flavors of pear and citrus are present, but they’re expertly balanced by a minerality that adds depth and nuance to the wine. The acidity, while not as pronounced as expected, provides a gentle lift, keeping the wine feeling fresh and vibrant. I believe there to be some barrel aging here, making this more smooth and a touch buttery.
The finish is where this Pinot Gris truly shines. Long and lingering, it reveals a touch of sweetness that’s masterfully offset by a resurgence of acidity and minerality.
@CorTot Specs on the 2019 which may or may not be a clue as to how the 2020 was handled:
Appellation Napa Valley, Carneros
Harvest Dates September 3, 2019
PH 3.27
RS 0 g/L
Vineyard Estate
Bottling Date May 19, 2020
TA 6.0 g/L
Alcohol 13.5%
Production 310 cases (750ml)
Suggested Retail $36
Maturation 20% in neutral French
oak, 80% stainless steel
Aging 7 months
As someone who typically leans towards bold reds, dry sparkling wines, this Napa Valley Pinot Gris was a pleasant surprise. On first pour, the wine shows a pale straw hue with glimmers of gold. The nose offers aromas of crisp green apple, pear, and a hint of citrus blossom.
On tasting it’s refreshingly crisp yet holds a nice balance of weight and texture that might appeal to those who appreciate the fuller body of red wines. For someone used to more robust wines, this Pinot Gris stands out because it offers enough depth to be interesting while retaining the refreshing qualities you’d expect from a white. I’d to pair with seafood, cheese, fruit or non red sauce pasta.
I guessed around with the quality it would retail $30-$35 a bottle so my wife an I both agreed at $15-$17.50 Casemates price this would be a quality deal. I would call this a great summer sipper or for those days when you’re in the mood for something lighter without sacrificing depth.
2020 Bouchaine Vineyards Estate Selection Pinot Gris, Carneros, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $420/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Friday, Sep 6 - Monday, Sep 9
2020 Bouchaine Vineyards Estate Selection Pinot Gris
3 bottles for $64.99 $21.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2020 Bouchaine Vineyards Estate Selection Pinot Gris - $60 = 23.07%
Although we are not Pinot Gris experts, my Wife really enjoys a good Pinot Gris. She was delighted to discover the 2020 Bouchaine Estate Pinot Gris Estate Selection from Napa Valley’s esteemed Carneros region. This wine defies traditional expectations of the varietal, presenting a captivating paradox of smooth texture and taut minerality.
The nose is subtle, yet inviting, with whispers of pear and citrus that hint at the wine’s underlying complexity. However, it’s the palate that truly showcases the wine’s unique character.
The smooth, rounded body coats the palate, providing a luxurious texture. Flavors of pear and citrus are present, but they’re expertly balanced by a minerality that adds depth and nuance to the wine. The acidity, while not as pronounced as expected, provides a gentle lift, keeping the wine feeling fresh and vibrant. I believe there to be some barrel aging here, making this more smooth and a touch buttery.
The finish is where this Pinot Gris truly shines. Long and lingering, it reveals a touch of sweetness that’s masterfully offset by a resurgence of acidity and minerality.
Do we know what the oak treatment on this wine was?
@CorTot Specs on the 2019 which may or may not be a clue as to how the 2020 was handled:
Appellation Napa Valley, Carneros
Harvest Dates September 3, 2019
PH 3.27
RS 0 g/L
Vineyard Estate
Bottling Date May 19, 2020
TA 6.0 g/L
Alcohol 13.5%
Production 310 cases (750ml)
Suggested Retail $36
Maturation 20% in neutral French
oak, 80% stainless steel
Aging 7 months
As someone who typically leans towards bold reds, dry sparkling wines, this Napa Valley Pinot Gris was a pleasant surprise. On first pour, the wine shows a pale straw hue with glimmers of gold. The nose offers aromas of crisp green apple, pear, and a hint of citrus blossom.
On tasting it’s refreshingly crisp yet holds a nice balance of weight and texture that might appeal to those who appreciate the fuller body of red wines. For someone used to more robust wines, this Pinot Gris stands out because it offers enough depth to be interesting while retaining the refreshing qualities you’d expect from a white. I’d to pair with seafood, cheese, fruit or non red sauce pasta.
I guessed around with the quality it would retail $30-$35 a bottle so my wife an I both agreed at $15-$17.50 Casemates price this would be a quality deal. I would call this a great summer sipper or for those days when you’re in the mood for something lighter without sacrificing depth.