After sitting on this crisp white for nearly two years, we finally broke out the 2012 Pinot Gris, Count’s Selection, Buena Vista this week while readying to move our home. it was already chilled, right, so why not crack open the top and give it a go? Particularly when you’re all parched from boxing up your life for an exciting shuffle down the road?

2012 Pinot Gris, Count’s Selection, Buena Vista, Sonoma County, California, USA.

It’s got an obvious pear scent to it, and is not overly sweet. You might even call it creamy? Buena Vista is situated in California’s Sonoma Valley, and this site has mentioned on many occasions the interesting flavors and notes produced by the unique terroir and climate of this AVA. We sampled this Count’s Selection with all sorts of odd meals; the white held its own whether consumed with dinner, as a nightcap, or even last night during the cocktail hour (when we actually finished it before the redbuds shown).

Here’s what the vineyard offers up for you: “This medium-bodied wine with fresh aromas of apple and pear. Displaying a great balanced mineralogy, flavors of Meyer lemon, white peach, and honeydew melon load to a crisp, clean finish. This refreshing white is perfect for sipping or as an aperitif.”

Buena Vista produced 500 cases of this Pinot Gris in this vintage, and I’m betting it did great business for them as a summer respite, as a party favor with the wine and cheese crowds, and among fans of even-keeled whites. Long-time readers of Notes will know I tread less frequently on the white roads, but this one was an enjoyable journey throughout the week.