Biggio Hamina Cellars Pinot Blanc 07
Biggio Hamina Cellars is the new winery of winemaker Todd Hamina and his wife Caroline. This 2007 Pinot blanc is Todd's first release, and it is well worth seeking out.
Todd is a student of the famed white wines of Alsace, and he's learned his lessons well. Friends who've tasted the wine remark on its coconut cream pie/tropical fruit nose and crisp white peach, melon, and citrus flavors, all focused by the clean mineral finish. Pinot blanc can be a bit lean, but not here. Todd opens the grape up and serves it creamy, cool, and refreshing.
A far as food pairing with the Biggio Hamina Pinot blanc: right now, with Dungeness crab in season, what comes to mind is brown paper on the table, nut crackers, sour dough bread, and drawn butter. Slurping down some cracked crab with a glass of this fruity/crisp delight... well I'm running to the fish market as soon as I save this review to disk. - Jean
MORE INFORMATION
Biggio Hamina's Todd Hamina made wine for Archery Summit, Patton Valley (2000 - 2004), and Brooks wineries (2004-2006) before starting out on his own. He's a student of the winemaking methods of Burgundy and Alsace, and he produces an ambitious range of whites and reds.
Todd's whites include Pinot blanc, Melon de Bourgogne and Chardonnay. Each of these varietals are tank fermented with lees contact to both increase the aromatics as well as give a supple mouthfeel. Todd says: "these will be foodie wines which retain zingy acidity, mesmerizing bouquets and lingering finishes. And, most importantly, will be true to both the varietal and vineyard; terroir driven whites of distinction". Biggio Hamina's reds include Syrah and Pinot noir. Todd describes the wines: "Now, with the Syrah there is some Viognier blended in at the fermenter, about five percent, so maybe a little faux C?te-R?tie action going on. 2007 was a challenging year for Syrah from the Northern Willamette Valley; however because of outstanding vine tending and patience, the results are quite promising". Todd comments on the "...Beautiful Pinot noir from three of the previously mentioned A.V.A.'s. We're really looking forward to the terroir-a-thon this vintage will present. It should be entertaining, interesting and, God willing, intellectually challenging". To summ up, Todd describes his winemaking style: "the goal is always wines with fine structure, lovely perfumed aromas, viscous density coupled with staying power. They won't be shy, but at the same time should not hit you over the head with a club. The goal has always been subtle, supple and satisfying wines".
