Originally published August 28, 2008

Threw together a quick varietal mini-tasting this week, with three comparably-priced New World Pinot Gris. My fellow taster and I thought the MacMurray Ranch 2007 Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast ($20) was a little disjointed, with too much ripeness on the one hand, and a tinge of bitterness on the other.

The TAZ 2007 Pinot Gris Santa Barbara County ($15) was better, not to mention five bucks cheaper. With aromtic, ripe tropical melon and oppulent floral notes playing off crisp lime citrus. Rich, slightly creamy finish. A lot of wine for the money. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Our favorite of the three, though, was the Innocent Bystander 2007 Pinot Gris Yarra Valley ($20) out of Australia. Crisp and mineral-laced, with silky nectarine, green pear and bright lime notes that fold together into a complex, appealing, clean finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Locate this wine online or in your area.