West Coast Elegance Chez FEL
88
FEL 2018 Pinot Gris Anderson Valley 13.8%
Bright and lively, this pear core and cinnamon-spiced wine has a beautifully plump yet perfectly balanced mid-palate. The mouthfeel caresses like velvet, and this cuddly palate is enhanced by the wine's well-placed but mild acidity. The finish lingers with scents of dried beans and pomelo rinds. A very cool, very drinkable and very food friendly wine!
Drink: 2019-21
90
FEL 2017 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 14.1%
This is robust and vigorous with crunchy and broad tannins, a bit unusual for Pinot Noir. Black plums and açai make for an interesting palate combo, accented by a dusting of cinnamon. The very densely flavored palate may improve with aeration upon opening. Its lingering, dried rose petal and leather finish certainly suggests there is additional complexity lurking. Full-bodied with slightly chunky glycerol and well-integrated acidity, this drinks nicely now. Its lenient structure may not allow it to age for long. But, given its drinkability, that is just fine!
Drink: 2019-23