Definitely on the sweet side, the 2016 Envoy Pinot Gris Johnson Vineyard boasts bold tropical flavors of guava, melon and pineapple. It's ripe and honeyed, held partly in check by hints of barrel influence, but it sprawls easily across the palate. Not sweet enough to work as a full-fledged dessert wine, try it with foie gras, cheese or fiery curries.

Sporting notions of ripe pears, golden delicious apples and nutmeg with a hint of fennel seed, the 2014 Envoy Johnson Vineyard Pinot Gris is full-bodied and unctuous. Produced to a medium-sweet style, the honeyed richness is nicely offset by just enough freshness, finishing with good length if somewhat uncomplicated.

The 2011 Envoy Johnson Vineyard Pinot Gris shows lovely perfumed nectarine and white blossom notes with hints of allspice and fennel. Medium-dry in style though showing a notable sweetness on the palate, the sweet element is juxtaposed by just enough freshness and a very spicy finish.

Spy Valley’s upmarket Pinot Gris is vendange tardive in style, made in an old oak oval with plenty of residual sugar (39 g/l) and a rich, unctuous texture. Bold honey and melon notes are accented by hints of ginger and white pepper, leading to a mouthwatering finish. Drink now–2015.——J.C.(6/1/2010)—— 89