An elegant, aromatic Pinot Gris with dense fruit aromas, amazing texture and a dry finish. Wine maker Paul Pujol projects his own flair onto traditional production methods acquired during his time in Alsace. This wine has achieved an avid following and international acclaim, despite its limited production.

Paul got his start working a vintage at Marlborough’s Seresin Estate. He then headed for France, where he took in three more consecutive vintages: in the Languedoc, for Henri Bourgeois in Chavignol (Sancerre) and for the prestigious Maison Kuentz-Bas in Alsace. (Yes, that’s four vintages in one year).

Maison Kuentz-Bas offered him the head winemaking position, and he became the first non-family winemaker at Kuentz-Bas since the house was founded in 1795, and possibly the first-ever permanent foreign winemaker in Alsace. Paul stayed at Kuentz-Bas for three years, producing wine from their six Grand Cru vineyards and other holdings.

Subsequently, Paul spent several years in Oregon at boutique organic producer Lemelson Vineyards. He returned to Oregon in 2006 to assist Cheryl Francis and Sam Tannahill at pioneering Oregon producer Rex Hill, producing a guest cuvée of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

Perhaps the highlight of his round-the-world winemaking experiences was being invited to work the 2009 vintage in Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy.