Bellevue Wine's Weekly E-Newsletter July 30, 2010

"Join us this long weekend for the Pinot Blanc versus Pinot Gris Showdown! The Pinot Blanc grape variety is actually a mutation of Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is genetically unstable and will occasionally produce one cane which produces white fruit. Pinot Gris is also a mutation of Pinot Noir and is so similar to Pinot Noir in appearance, that until the fruit appears, it can be impossible to tell them apart.

We will begin with the 2008 St. Hubertus Pinot Blanc ($14.02). This has rich pear and citrus aromas on the nose, is full bodied and creamy on the palate and has a lively acidity on the finish.

Next is the 2008 Red Rooster Pinot Blanc ($15.99). It is lemon yellow in colour with aromas of honeydew melon, peach, star fruit and white pepper. It's a medium-bodied wine with f!avours of pear, peach and melon and an added zip of lemon and lime on the finish.

The 2008 Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris ($16.99) is up next. This wine is clean, crisp, and fresh. It is full of citrus, apple, and melon aromas with apples, pears and herbal notes on the palate. The wine retains a refreshing crispness through the long finish.

Finally we will sample the 2008 Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Gris ($18.99). Crisp, clean and aromatic, the bouquet opens with aromas of fresh citrus fruit and a hint of honeysuckle. Notes of pear and green apple with underlying hints of almond mingle for a fresh and complex finish. This wine has been partially barrel fermented and aged sur lie in French oak for three months.

See You Here!"