Consumers love Pinot Gris, as evidenced by the phenomenal Pinot Grigio sales that Italy enjoys in this country. However, check out Breggo’s 2009 Pinot Gris. There are just under 1,000 cases, which limits its availability, but this is a knock-out wine. Crisp, steely, Granny Smith apple skin notes intermixed with hints of orange and citrus jump from the glass of this light yet intense, relatively dry, fresh wine. It is medium-bodied, totally endearing, and best drunk over the next year. This winery was a discovery several years ago, and since then has been purchased by Napa’s Cliff Lede. In fact, much of the winemaking has been moved to the impressive facility of Cliff Lede Vineyards on the Yountville Crossroads. The founding winemaker, Ryan Hodgins, was hired full-time, so I don’t think there’s any real change in style. In fact, given Cliff Lede’s resources and commitment to world-class quality, I would suspect quality will likely increase. The following wines are singular in that I don’t think anyone is doing what Breggo has managed to achieve with varietals such as Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling in Northern California.Tel. (707) 895-9589