Forgot I had it. The fruit was about gone, but had honeysuckle, a bit of stone, and glycerin. Actually quite enjoyable very chilled before the big Thanksgiving dinner, and after with friends visiting. Not like the fruit of a new Oregon pinot gris, but different in an enjoyable way.

I guess pinot gris needs to be as fresh as can be. They are notorious for losing fruit after just 12 months after being bottled. At least here in Oregon. I have never tried a pinot gris that was any good 2 years past the vintage date. Once the fruit is gone all you have left is a very alcoholic and harsh wine. Best served ice cold to hide the unpleasant effects of time in the bottle. IMO I think pinot gris is over rated. And they're too expensive for what you get. Mind you I've had a few 2003's lately and they were nice but very alcoholic tasting when left to warm to room temperature.

P5

This was not alcoholic. I have no idea what it would taste like a year from now. Last bottle. Not unpleasant in the slightest. Maybe a fluke, maybe a tribute to Brian O'Donnell. Maybe lucky.

I do think Oregon Pinot Gris is overpriced when over $15 a bottle for what you get. I also think it is best at its freshest. I too think if pinot gris is not cold, it is flabby and unpleasant.

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...pinot gris needs to be as fresh as can be. They are notorious for losing fruit after just 12 months after being bottled.

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And yet good Alsatian PG improves for years, putting on weight and gaining complexity.

Obviously soil, climate, etc. are factors, but are OR and Alsatian Gris identical plants? Any idea?

I'm not so sure they need to be consumed immediately. The 2003 Chehalem Reserve is rough and I think will benefit from some additional age. The 2001 was excellent last year.