Lemon pith, crushed rock, tart green apple. Grapefruit peel, fresh thyme, honeydew melon rind. An unmistakably fresh and unmanipulated fruit core highlighted by lime zest, pear skin, and underripe kiwi pulses with lively yet surprisingly complex character while hints of fresh basil, sage, and leafy greens delicately impart a range of clean herbal underpinnings. Notes of raw almond and peanut shell further advance waves of non-fruit depth through lightly bitter phenolic charms while wafts of waterlily, jasmine, and sunflower contribute an exceptionally dainty floral overlay. A faint pinch of white pepper gently provides a touch of spice that fades into earthy impressions of chalk dust, loamy soil, and stoney minerality. Impressively complex and multidimensional on the palate while expressing a nice combination of crispness and depth; exhibiting a pure, layered, and authentic presentation that is tart and interestingly textured on its way to revealing a long herbal finish. Barely medium bodied and coursing with elevated acidity. This 2020 Anderson Valley Pinot Gris by Maker Wine is a delicious yet intriguing white from Mendocino County.

Notable as a unique gray-skinned mutation of the Pinot Noir family, Pinot Gris is a widely planted yet often misunderstood grape variety that is capable of producing wines ranging from simple and refreshing to wonderfully complex and serious. This bottling, crafted by Handley Cellars using Pinot Gris sourced from the Anderson Valley and canned by Maker Wine, is an outstanding example of a serious Pinot Gris available in unpretentious and highly accessible packaging. This wine radiates a range of tart and pithy citrus fruits followed by fresh herbal notes, lightly bitter almond hints, soft florals, and nice minerality. It is simultaneously refreshing and thoroughly interesting to drink, and gets our vote as one of the best white wines we've ever tried in a can. Excellent.