Review:
One of Oregon's defining wineries has a place in its heart for this grape, which has the same parentage (Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc) as Chardonnay but little of the same respect or love. David Adelsheim has produced a pedigreed effort, with an intensity of ripe fruit - pear and mandarin - hitched to mineral freshness and a white-pepper bite.
Jon Bonne, S. F. Chronicle reviews the 2011:
Adelsheim Auxerrois has aromas of juicy apple, pear, white peach and honey. In the flavor these fruits reappear together with subtle flavors of fennel and tarragon. When Auxerrois grapes become fully ripe, the resulting wine takes on aromas of quince, Asian pear and honey. A subtle minerality is present, followed up by great structure and backbone. The flavors are well integrated and balanced. Wonderful on its own as an apéritif, it would also pair beautifully with shellfish, salmon or a triple cream cheese.
Auxerrois, like Chardonnay, is a medieval cross between the noble Pinot noir grape of Burgundy and an ignoble variety, Gouais blanc. It is quite rare, with probably less than 500 acres planted worldwide and only one other U.S. producer of which we are aware. This is a crisp and refreshing wine with aromas of juicy apple, pear, white peach, and honey.
2010 Vintage Tasting Notes
The 2010 vintage is described by the winemaker: This wine has aromas of tarragon and fennel bulb,
plus green pear, mineral, and citrus blossom. In the
mouth, these flavors reoccur and you'll find a lively, refreshing
texture. With its balance of acid, alcohol and
fruitiness, the wine has body and length on the palate,
yet remains fresh. Auxerrois is wonderful on its own
as an apéritif, or with many courses at the beginning
of a meal. It would pair well with crab salad or cured
salmon with tarragon dressing.