Airlie Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc 2015
So much cool stuff is going on in Oregon, and it extends well behind the signature pinot noirs. White wines such as the Airlie Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc 2015 ($20) provide vibrancy, refreshing balance and just plain deliciousness. Airlie, owned by Wisconsin native and longtime Twin Cities resident Mary Olson, makes splendid whites, and this might be my favorite of the lot. The citrus/pear-inflected nose portends the crispness and freshness to come, but the array of fruit-cocktail flavors and the nervy but supple finish still surprise. I can't think of a shrimp preparation that wouldn't sing with this, and it's bold enough to serve with salmon.
Available at Eden Prairie munis, Thomas, Haskell's Chanhassen and Hy-Vee New Hope.
Bill Ward
