“You may know it as a sculpture by Raymond Kaskey. You may know it as a satire television series on cable. no you know it as a serious wine worth drinking.” Portlandia Vintners, a new project from the folks at Rainier Wine Company, defines its epithet with its first releases—a 2011 Oregon Pinot Noir and 2012 Oregon Pinot Pinot Gris. The former is sporting a label with a pair of black hipster spectacles and the latter with the popular city means of transportation: a bicycle. Quintessential Portland in packaging, the 2012 Oregon Pinot Gris is a blend of 98% Willamette Valley fruit while the remainder comes from the Rogue Valley and one percent of each Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat are added into the blend. The wines itself exudes refreshing aromas of green apple and pear with tart and bittersweet notes, preserved lemon and lime rind are also prevalant and grow in the finish with the crisp acid and pear flavors.
