boomtown pinot gris 2011
The experience: The first job of a wine is to be delicious, and this juicy Washington white, crafted by Wisconsin natives Corey Braunel and Chad Johnson, fills the bill. Gorgeous tropical fruits and spices and zingy acidity please the palate from start to finish.
The setting: A wonderful patio sipper (sigh), this vibrant white also would play well with fried, grilled or baked fish, any salad with chicken and mildly spicy Thai dishes.
The back story: There's more on the way from the Evergreen State: Pinot gris plantings in Washington tripled between 2006 and 2011.
The tab: $16, available at United Liquor, Winnetka Liquor, the Wine Thief, Tum Rup Thai, Tavern on France, Crave, Flame, Pour Wine Bar (Otsego) and others.
Bill Ward
