The Sokol Blosser estate was founded by Bill and Susan Sokol-Blosser in 1971 in the Dundee Hills of Oregon, some 30 miles south west of Portland on America's west coast. Following extensive renovations and improvements, their first vintage was released in 1977. The 85 hectares of vineyards are farmed organically, certification being granted in 2005. Local organic straw, organic cow and horse manure, grape pomace and organic rock phosphate all contribute to the composting, while the insect population is kept in check by a resident flock of bluebirds. The underground barrel cellar became the first winery in the country to earn the prestigious 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' certification. The 'Number 9' refers to the 9 different grape varieties put into the blend. These include Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Blanc among others.
This beguiling white is a pale straw-yellow in colour. On the nose, notes of jasmine, honeysuckle, ripe peaches and bags of sweet spice. On the palate, gently sweet at first but becoming dry and crisp on the mid-palate with flavours of lemon and lime with a mineral backbone and bracing acidity. The finish is elegant and crisp. Asian fish dishes required! Try with fried calamari with a coconut dip, Thai clams in yellow curry sauce with basil and red chilli or stir-fried tamarind shrimp.