Until recently, I wasn't familiar with the Bethel Heights line of wines.  "An Oregon wine?  Well, this will be 'interesting' to say the least,"  I thought as I looked at the algae-green bottle.

The older I get and the more I taste, I find that my prejudices are being, thankfully, crushed.  Bethel Heights has left me saying not only, "More!  Give me more Bethel Heights!", but I'm also clamoring for more of the Oregon wines.  The 1999 Pinot Gris has a strong scent of tart apples and pears.  It's a dry white wine with an interesting taste.  Despite how strange it sounds, this wine has a pleasant scorched taste.  It also has a creaminess that somewhat balances the tartness of the fruits. 

Drink by itself just to enjoy the unusual taste sensations, but expect a strong white wine.  However, I would highly recommend this wine as one that would hold its own and complement spicy Asian dishes like Szechuan chicken or vegetables or perhaps Thai food.   (***3/4)