Friday Sips


FRIDAY SIPS
Oregon Pinots from Fullerton Wines with Special Guest, winemaker Alex Fullerton
Today, April 8 from 3:30 - 6:30
Drop by this afternoon to meet and taste wines from an upstart Oregon operation that is shaping up to become one of the state’s rock star producers. Winemaker Alex Fullerton will be in the house to discuss and pour 4 tasty Pinot Noirs. These wines are flat-out terrific and if you love to discover new Oregon gems you will want to be here!!


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2014 FULLERTON PINOT NOIR
'FIVE FACES'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE

A few weeks back I was introduced to these wines from this nice family and was immediately impressed. Eric and Susanne Fullerton have been long time wine enthusiasts and in 2010, their son Alex embarked on his path to becoming winemaker by interning in New Zealand as well as Bergstrom. The forward and most honest answer that we have to this upstart is that these folks and their wines are going to lofty places!

Using his astute instinct, Alex flexibly produced a wine by rolling with what the given vintage delivers. No compromising, this abundant Pinot reflects its sires and never becomes a Napa Cab wannabe, even in a torrid vintage like 2014. The 2014 Five Faces is a stunner and is the result of impeccable farming and attention to detail. Lavishly formed with dark berry fruit, violet, kisses of cedar and prominent red earth tones. Well-balanced and revealing ample fruit yet the terroir never leaves its side. Unlike many 2014s, this maintains freshness picking up backbone on the drawn-out finish. Very classy stuff to enjoy over the next 8-10 years.



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2013 FULLERTON PINOT NOIR
FIVE FACES
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE

Five Faces is a classic blend of several vineyard sites and while the Fullerton produce three single vineyard designates, we decided to show two vintages of this impeccable blend. The story of 2013 is very different than 2014 yet is equally compelling. The epic tale of this offering is floral and red toned.

Astonishingly penetrating aromas of violet, peonies, jasmine, strawberry, spice and lavender, one can really see that there is not only top-drawer fruit but also plenty of care and love that went into this wine. Thoughtfully done, balanced and persistent there is ample dimension and very indicative of its roots and is very, very Pinot in its overall profile. Given its pedigree, there is no doubt that this is a fine glass of Pinot Noir right now; it will also develop nicely for 8-10 years as well.



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2014 THREE OTTERS PINOT NOIR
$19.99 BTL.$239.88 CASE

Three Otters is Fullerton’s playful, every day, fun drinking line whose name was taken from the Three Otters on their family crest. Aromas of crushed blackberry, blossom and cinnamon shine brightly from the glass. Stylishly flavored with an abundance of penetrating fruit along with subtle structure - the finish is warm and crowd-pleasing with hints of allspice. A delightful Pinot that will pair wonderfully with pork chops, roasted poultry or pan-seared steak. Drink over the next 3-4 years.



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2014 THREE OTTERS PINOT NOIR ROSE
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

Many of you all know of my disdain for the majority of Oregon Pinot Noir Rose wines, however, there are a few that stand out beautifully and this one just beams. There are Rose wines that often show better in their second year and this one is undoubtedly one of them. Having shed its baby fat, what we have now is cut flowers along with blitzing cherry pit, lemon peel and subtle spice character all carrying over into a mouth-filling and invigorating texture. Delicious by itself or with grilled fish, different spicy Thai influenced dishes, pecorino, or wild strawberries drizzled with great balsamic vinegar.






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