Based on flavor profile, quality, and value for money

Outstanding

96Outstanding

"Rich Pinot Gris, with peach notes, minerality and almond on the nose, lemon zest, a bit sweet smell."

Stoneboat Vineyards has quietly built a reputation for doing one thing exceptionally well: pinot.

Not in a flashy, overworked way—but with precision, restraint, and a clear sense of place.

This Reserve Series Pinot Gris 2023 is exactly that kind of wine.

Winemaker Bill Adams doesn’t try to impress you with tricks. He lets the fruit speak, and it shows from the very first pour.

In the glass, the wine has a beautiful yellow color with a faint pinkish hue—a subtle reminder that Pinot Gris comes from red-skinned grapes.

It already hints at texture and depth before you even bring it to your nose.

And the nose is generous. Ripe peach leads the way, followed by almond and a clean mineral edge.

There’s a gentle citrus lift too—lemon zest—and just a touch of sweetness in the aroma that makes it inviting without feeling heavy.

It’s the kind of wine you want to sit with for a moment before tasting.

On the palate, it delivers exactly what the nose promises—and more.

This is a rich Pinot Gris, but it never feels sluggish.

There’s a nice line of acidity running through it that keeps everything fresh and focused.

Peach comes back strong, joined by grapefruit and yellow apple.

Then something a little more unexpected appears: a subtle note of grilled white meat, like BBQ chicken.

It shows up both in the aroma and on the palate, adding a savory edge that makes the wine more interesting than your typical fruit-driven Pinot Gris.

The texture is where this wine really shines. It’s round and full, with a slightly buttery finish that lingers without becoming heavy.

That comes from four months in neutral French oak, combined with weekly bâtonnage.

The oak doesn’t dominate—it simply softens the wine and adds that creamy, polished feel.

What’s impressive is how complete the wine already feels.

It’s young, but it doesn’t drink like it. Everything is in place.

The fruit is ripe and expressive, while the minerality and acidity from the Gravelbar bring structure and balance.

This is a wine that works beautifully on its own, but it really comes alive with food.

Chicken salad is an easy match. Light pork dishes work well too.

And if you lean into that subtle BBQ note, grilled chicken becomes an obvious—and very satisfying—pairing.

There’s no excess here. No overstatement.

Just a well-made, thoughtful Pinot Gris that knows exactly what it wants to be—and delivers it with confidence.

Stoneboat Vineyards Pinot Gris Reserve Series 2023