The 2008 Pinot Gris offers fresh, steely, orange rind, and citrus blossom notes in a light to medium-bodied, richly fruity style. This cuvee sees no wood, and is all the better for it. Drink it over the next year. This is an impressive group of wines from the gigantic Gallo Family Vineyards. Both shrewd readers looking for values as well as connoisseurs should check out these current and upcoming releases.Tel. (707) 433-2458

Readers looking for an apple skin and orange rind-scented, crisp, dry, medium-bodied white should check out the 2007 Pinot Gris. It is a nicely textured, fresh, lively wine to enjoy over the next 1-2 years. Occasionally lost in the focus on the enormous size of the Gallo empire is how good many of their wines can be, not to mention a bevy of terrific values. The following cuvees are all sensational bargains. Pinot Noir is often over-priced because of the number of outrageously expensive red Burgundies in the marketplace. Hence, finding a good Pinot Noir for under $50, much less $20 is virtually impossible. Gallo has delivered what may be the finest bargain in Pinot Noir in the marketplace.Tel. (707) 433-2458

A beautiful PG, notable for extreme dryness and crispness, a light-hearted texture, and the way the citrus fruit steps back and allows sweet ripe herbs, flowers and minerals to shine. Tremendously versatile at the table, a sommelier’s dream wine.——S.H.(11/15/2008)—— 87

A real pleasing wine, all tank-fermented and aged, is the crisp, fresh, richly fruity 2005 Pinot Gris, which is certainly a food-friendly wine. Tel. (707) 433-2458

This affordable wine is Exhibit A on why Pinot Gris/Grigio is such a hot variety. It’s like a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, brisk and clean on the one hand, and rich and fruity on the other.——S.H.(2/1/2006)—— 87