Young winemaker Alex Fullerton works with three Dijon clones as well as the Davis 108, a k a Wente clone, seen as critical in the establishment and growth of the Chardonnay industry in California and throughout the West Coast during the 1970s. The Fullerton family’s Three Otter brand takes an unoaked, 100 percent malolactic fermentation and lees contact approach to its work from a trio of northern Willamette Valley vineyards, accounting for aromas of pear butter, caramel apple, lemon and fine-grained sand. That caramel apple feature comes through on the palate with a broad backing of fascinating lemon juice acidity, baking spices and a drop of sweet pear. Its underlying minerality, food-friendly acid profile and price point fits nicely among the vanguard of Oregon Chardonnay producers.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 750 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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