These days, particularly in Oregon, the term “reserve” is trending more toward “restrained” in terms of the oak regimen rather than the California interpretation of reserve — code word “oak bomb.” Melissa Burr’s angle to this is just 15% new oak, with the rest of it neutral barrel. It allows for expressions of light tropical fruit, poached apple, lemon oil and almond with just a touch of butter. There’s very little sign of that oak on the palate, which is clean and rich with Asian pear and lemon, making for electric acidity and allowing for a pleasant finish of Thompson Seedless grape and honeydew melon.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 1,218 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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