Thomas George Estates 2009 Pinot Blanc Saralee's Vineyard - Review
Russian River Valley, California
Our Selection for Wine of the Week January 9, 2012
Thomas George Estates 2009 Pinot Blanc Saralee's Vineyard Russian River Valley, CA
Run by the father-and-son team of Thomas and Jeremy Baker, this boutique winery
focuses on site-specific Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in Sonoma County's Russian River
Valley. All wines are made from estate-grown grapes on what is a fairly impressive
63-acre vineyard property encompassing some of the Russian River's finest terroir.
Currently, the winery produces a sparkling Brut Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier,
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Syrah as well as Pinot Blanc. The 2009 Pinot
Blanc comes from a vineyard on the valley floor. The wine is lightweight and elegant
with hints of white flowers, tart apple and Asian pear on the nose. Soft on the palate, it
offers subtle honeydew, white grape and pear flavors with a nice backbone of Meyer
lemon acidity. The wine would make a refreshing aperitif for a winter's evening. Or try
it with lighter dishes like white fish in a cream sauce, shellfish risotto or roasted loin of
pork with poached pears. It would also work nicely as a brunch wine with a vegetable
quiche.