Following the nightmarish experience of Duck Pond Cellars, a white picket fence lined driveway can instill immediate panic. At first sight, Four Graces, with its well groomed mini garden, adorable cottage-like tasting room, and close proximity to Duck Pond, was frightening. "Should we turn back?" we questioned, but the fear was instantly dismissed upon entry. The spanning vineyard and tiny 1930s farmhouse ooze charm. The tasting room, adorned with grainy family photos of elegant daughters (the four graces), inspires comfort and nostalgia. We met with vineyard manager, the amiable Anthony Van Nice, to taste wines from the concise production list. To start, an 09 Pinot Gris-- though slightly too syrupy and not terribly crisp, the bright and juicy white delighted in its light caramelized flavors of toasted white nuts. The wines that followed were astounding. An 09 Pinot Blanc tickled my senses all the way down, leaving me giddy and craving more of the light, citrusy-smooth, baked cinnamon pear that had just been sampled. The sultry, impressively structured Willamette Valley 2008 Pinot Noir displayed velvety, lush fruits and splendid acidity. Its creamy finale lingered until our final pour-- the 07 Dundee Hills Pinot-- which powerfully marched its earthy vim around my tongue. We left with a serene mind, having embraced the welcome of Four Graces' genial and unpretentious spirit. Fear not the picket fence, but enjoy Four Graces enchanting selections!
No comments:
Post a Comment