SANTA MARIA VALLEY | CALIFORNIA | $40
Poached pear with orange zest, clove plus hints of nectarine, grapefruit and lavender; finishes with a wet-stone mineral note. Slightly laden in the mouth, almost a desert wine feel, with broad flavors and measured acidity. Complex yet subtle, the empress, now quite mature, has indeed aged well, and with mastery of the sublime, her brief whispered utterances skillfully connote grand truth. She speaks softly; you’ll pay attention. 55% Pinot Gris, 40% Pinot Blanc, 5% Aligote. An excellent wine. (Reviewed 7/21/12)
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