Friday Sips

The 2011 Vista Hills Treehouse is an appealing, extremely well-crafted Pinot that performs beautifully and never overacts. Stylish red and blackcurrant fruit permeates from the glass and is enhanced by intertwined cinnamon, violet and red earth which follows into a smooth, velvet-laden mouthfilling texture that seduces, lingers and calls you back for another glass. Support the home team and drink this pinot now over the next 4-5 years with a range of dishes from grilled salmon to lamb shanks to pork roast and smoked fowl.

Redolence and grace rule the day on the finesseful and genteel 2011 Rollins Pinot Noir which is seemingly a young woman learning etiquette & charm. Red berries, lots of delicacy on nose with pepper, a touch of botanical notes and licorice waft from the glass. In the mouth it shows delineation and focus; nicely concentrated, ethereal and very textbook in style. Builds spice and a touch of red earth tones. Refined, tight-berry, red-tinged, attractive, sneaky long finish that shows peacock's tail expansion. Plenty of dimension throughout, this wine is well-poise but don't be fooled, it will also age very well. A mere 160 cases produced!

Vista Hills' Treehouse Pinot Gris is made from two blocks, one of which is their Old Block, hence the seriousness and complexity of aromas and flavor. Well-balanced, harmonious, smoky and offering lovely red apple, melon along with undertones of mandarin and Pinot Gris spice. Stuffed to the brim with flavor and a finish that's focused, vivid and vivacious, this is a wonderful sipper to start a meal or to serve with an array of seafood dishes and white meats.