Forlorn Hope Pinot Gris Dragone Ramato Rorick Vineyard

Forlorn Hope at Flatiron (Flatiron, SF) : Pinot Gris, but has the color of a moderately concentrated rose. Nose of slightly reductive grapefruit and strawberry. Smells a bit like skin-fermented wildness (yes - 2 weeks fermented on skins - "Ramato" style). In the mouth, med body, med+ alcohol (actually only 12.58%), med+ acid, medium tannins (!). Intense mid-palate strawberry, with suggestions of herb stems, and a moderately long finish. between 8.5-9

Light strawberry flavor; beautiful wine.

Fresh but devoid of the acidity I look for in these unique, esoteric whites/wines. That said, this has a subtle but compelling scent* that has me hooked (and earned it an extra point). For the unfamiliar and/or non-inquisitive, this is a Pinot Gris made in the rare Romato style - leaving the wine on the purplish skins, resulting in a pinkish-copper hue. Perhaps not mind blowing but most definitely mind expanding and thought provoking. Ah-Hah!..*Watermelon Rind! (Thanks VeniceCalif)

Clear copper color. A California take on Ramato which makes me think it is from Friuli. Exceptional balance of fruit & structure. On the light side of medium bodied with a mouthfeel that reads equal parts crisp & rich. The light, supple tannins add an additional textural level. Layers of light, fresh tropical fruit with a fleshiness which fills the palate. Beautiful, detailed wine. Just brilliant with smoked salmon & I'd love to construct a cheese plate around this.

Some wines are fruit bombs. This one is a fruit bowl. Pretty peach-copper color. Nice, fruit-led nose of apricots, nectarines, quince, peaches, stony notes. Bracingly tart on the palate, as wataermelon and earthy flavors join. It's light-bodied but interesting. Finishes with a bit of grip and some tannins. Tannins? Yes, tannins. Imagine a light-bodied red with the tartness of a white; that's what this is. Like a red, it tastes better closer to room temp. It's rounder and less astringent …