Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Pinot Blanc That Will Rock Your Socks Off

I tend to be kind of picky in the Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris department. There's far too much blah, blech, and boring wine out there in the market that has been made--perhaps overmade would be the best description--with these grapes.

This is not one of those Pinot Blancs. This is the kind of Pinot Blanc that rocks your socks off, and makes you wonder why so many people bother making yucky stuff.

This wine, made by Michel-Schlumberger in the Dry Creek Valley, is made from Alsatian clones and the grapes are grown in volcanic soils. The microclimate where they are grown is cool, which keeps the grapes from getting too soft and flabby.

Nicknamed "La Bise," which is French for the "the kiss," the 2007 Michel-Schlumberger is also one of those wines that qualify as a definite rebuy. It had aromas of pear, white nectarine, and golden delicious apple. The first sips were full of pear, and as you held the wine in your mouth the pear turned more acidic and citrusy. The overall impression was fresh and bright. Then, the aftertaste turned honeyed, with beeswax notes. We had our bottle with a grilled chicken breast topped with pears and apples cooked in a touch of honey and lemon juice, with some Camembert potatoes on the side. Here's the recipe if you want to make this fast meal, courtesy of Rachael Ray. Can you imagine anything more perfect with this wine?

So, now you want this wine. Where can you get it? Unfortunately, the winery is sold out. Fortunately, some retailers still have it in stock. I got my bottle at domaine547 in a "Summer Sippers" Blogger Pack put together by fellow wine blogger Wannabe Wino. This pack included 3 bottles for $55, and since one bottle of the wine is in my Thanksgiving picks (the Mauritson Sauvignon Blanc), this Pinot Blanc is a perfect fall wine in my opinion, and the third bottle is a rosé that would be perfect with leftover turkey sandwiches, I am hereby renaming this blogger pack the "Thanksgiving Survival Pack." The folks from domaine547 still seem to have a few of these packs left. Other retailers have the Pinot Blanc, too, and you can find bottles for between $17 and $22. It's excellent QPR wherever you get it.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Debs. Thanks for your creative re-naming of the bloggerpack! It's fairly apt, and thanks to Sonadora for the great pack which has turned into something much more than the name summer sippers would imply.

In case people don't want to buy all three bottles, I've just added the Pinot Blanc as an a la carte item in the shop, and given it a 10% discount in your honor. I hope you don't mind me providing the link to product here (you may have to copy and paste). Just moderate the comment if it's a problem.

http://domaine547.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=128&products_id=673

Thanksgiving, no matter what you're drinking.

Best,

Jill

Anonymous said...

Hi Deb.
Great post on the Pinot Blanc. Somehow I missed this Michel-Schlumberger wine when we visited on the vineyard walk and winery tour.
Coincidentally, I just tasted a good $16 2007 Ross Andrew MEADOW white blend that is primarily Pinot Blanc here in Seattle last weekend.I don't know if it's available in your area or not, but it's worth a try if you can locate it.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
John
http://winepeeps.com

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy you liked it!! I love this wine every year. I think next year I'll have to preorder to get enough!

PS-could I trouble you to change my link? I'm at wannabewino.com these days...

Anonymous said...

Hi Dr. Deb,

Thanks so much for the kind words about our Pinot Blanc and as you mentioned, it is sold out. Unfortunately it sells out every year by about July or August. That bright, crisp, bracing style really reflects the terroir of our Estate & the philosophy of our winemaking. Next vintage will be out in late March/early April. If your readers are interested, feel free to call us at the winery to get on board early at 707-433-7427. And please visit us - it is an unparalleled experience! Thanks again!