So, there I was, standing in the American wine aisle at Tamura’s in Lahaina, Maui.   

I know what you’re thinking – “Who goes to Maui to buy wine!?”  I hadn’t really intended to, but there I was, trying to find something other than ubiquitous, crappy Kim Crawford to drink.

Thank god for Tamura’s.  They have the best, not-to-be-missed selection of wine and craft beer I’ve seen on the island.  They also have a daily selection of ten different types of fresh poke.  But that’s a whole other post. Yes, you need to visit them next time you’re there.

As the course of the vacation wore on, I stuck to readily available highballs and local craft beer – the wines available at most restaurants and bars being of, ah, dubious quality.  I didn’t around to enjoying this bottle until we got home.

I’d been to Santa Barbara and tried several ABC (Au Bon Climat) wines in August 2014.  This is Jim Clendenen’s 60% Pinot Gris and 40% Pinot Blanc blend.  Pale lemon on the eyes, it shows aromas of light citrus, pear juice, flint and nut.

Dry with high acidity, the palate has flavours of lime cordial, Granny Smith apple, leaf and almond with more crushed flint.

WSET Good plus – Precise and crisp, but with a rich mouthfeel from time spent on the lees in barrel.  Nicely balanced, it would have gone fabulously with that poke.

Picture credit: Mike Woods Photography