Lieb Cellars Pinot Blanc Reserve 2016

Sometimes Pinot Blanc can be a little neutral or boring, but this example is far from it. It doesn’t see a splinter of oak during the winemaking process and there is a floral edge to a nose that is dominated by fresh, clean aromas of melons, pears and yellow apples.

Though on the lighter end of the body spectrum (it’s less than 12% abv) the palate shows more of the same fruits — apple, pear and melon — with a subtle hint of lemon zest. Bright, appetite-whetting acidity is well incorporated, providing verve without being too sharp. There is a gritty pear quality to the finish that turns a bit saline at the very end.