Don’t over-chill your white wine. That’s the lesson of Hector Wine Company 2012 Pinot Blanc ($20). Right out of the fridge, it’s neutral and nearly characterless. But as it warms the nose unfolds with notes of dried pineapple, lime peel, wet gravel and white pepper.
Similarly, once a bit warmer, the medium-bodied palate shines with apple and pineapple flavors and a wonderful mid-palate mouthfeel that is somewhat is silky and fresh at the same time. White pepper and chalky earth flavors peek through toward the finish, which lingers just a bit and shows some bitterness at the end.
If you like your white wines super fruity, this isn’t for you. But if you appreciate texture and minerality, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Producer: Hector Wine Company
AVA: Finger Lakes
Brix: 21
Harvest Date(s):
RS: .2%
TA: 6.0 g/l
pH: 3.19
Oak Program: 30% in neutral oak
Price: $20*
(3 out of 5, Very good/Recommended)