Eastbayri.com

Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery is celebrating a haul of seven gold medals and a bunch more silver in regional and national competitions during the past few months.

Winners and comments are:

• Westport Rivers 2009 Pinot Gris, Southeastern New England

Pale golden yellow color. Bright aromas of lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaf, lychee nut,and apricot yogurt with a silky dry-yet-fruity medium body and some pleasant maturing mineral and smoky notes backing the pure tart citrus fruit finish. Very Alsatian-like and a great choice for the table. (Tasted 11/14/11)

• Westport Rivers NV "Grace", Chardonnay, Southeastern New England

Lightly hazy golden color. Spicy caramelized apple and pineapple and coconut flan aromas with a supple, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a tangy apricot marmalade, apple cider and peppery spice finish. Delicious and will be great with cheeses. (Tasted 10/17/11)

• Westport Rivers 2009 Riesling, Southeastern New England

Pale golden yellow color. Bright aromas of caramelized apples and peach pie with a supple, fruity medium body and a rich honeyed nectarine and lime and pie crust finish. A superbly balanced and delicious riesling that is sure to please. (Tasted 11/14/11)

• Westport Rivers 2006 Brut, Robert James Russell "RJR", Southeastern New England

Bright golden yellow color. Aromas of toasty brioche, peach marmalade and lemon curd with a crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and tart, mouthwatering roasted citrus, green apple skin and mineral accents on the finish. Very vintage Champagne like. (Tasted 1/9/12)

Westport Rivers 2009 Chardonnay, Southeastern New England

Golden yellow color. Aromas of pineapple buttercream and apple butter with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a crisp spicy poached green apple, lemon and nutty praline finish. Very tasty with pitch perfect acidity. (tasted 1/27/12)

Westport Rivers 2000 Blanc de Blancs, Southeastern New England

Deep old gold color. Toasty brioche, baked fruit, and caramel aromas with a crisp, frothy medium body and a long grilled citrus, praline, and apple driven finish. Rich and satisfying; serve with grilled seafood. (tasted 1/9/12)

Westport Rivers 2009 Riesling, Southeastern New England

Golden yellow color. Aromas of caramelized apples and peaches and pistachios with a silky, fruity-yet-dry medium body and a tangy, mouthwatering clementine finish. A lively sipper or table wine. (tasted on 1/27/12)

Silver medals

Westport Rivers 2010 Pinot Noir and 2001 Blancs de Noirs both won silver at the nation’s most prestigious Pinot Noir competition, the Pinot Noir Shootout. The award presentations will be made at the Pinot Noir Summit by Spencer Christian February 25 in San Francisco.

Also, silvers for:

• Westport Rivers 2009 Gruner Veltliner, Southeastern New England

• Westport Rivers 2009 Grüner Veltliner, Southeastern New England

• Westport Rivers NV "Grace", Chardonnay, Southeastern New England

• Westport Rivers 2009 Pinot Gris, Southeastern New England.