A relatively new Willamette Valley winery, Fullerton Wines was founded in 2012 by Eric and Susanne Fullerton. Head winemaker Alex Fullerton heads the 4500 case production winery, crafting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Alex has a nice background in wine, previously working at Penner-Ash, as well as Drylands in New Zealand. Alex wanted to make wine of his own, which started in his garage in 2011. The tasting room is located in Beaverton, only about 40 minutes from Portland.
I recently had the chance to sample the range of new wines by Fullerton and was very impressed. Alex Fullerton did a nice job in the highly challenging 2013 vintage. His 2013 Fullerton ‘Croft Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 91) showed really nice earthy characteristics with red fruit nuisances. His 2014 Fullerton ‘Three Otters’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 89) is an outstanding value buy at only $20.00. Also impressing is their 2014 Fullerton 'Momtazi Vineyard' Pinot Noir which is dense and layered, showing off this esteemed vineyard. Learn more about Fullerton Wines at http://www.fullertonwines.com Here are the great new releases from Fullerton Wines:
2015 Fullerton 'Three Otters' Rose- This pale colored Rose wine made from Pinot Noir starts with a bouquet of cranberry, teaberry, and hints of watermelon. The palate yields flavors reminiscent of guava, cran-cherry and hints of Mandarin orange. The minerality makes its presence in this lively Rose. Drink 2016-2018- 88
2014 Fullerton 'Three Otters' Pinot Noir- This wine starts with aromas of cran-cherry, black raspberry, strawberry jam, forest floor and dried sage. There are medium weight flavors of red cherry, red raspberry, Mandarin orange rind, cola and hints of guava puree. Forward and fruity, this is very tasty with the mineral backbone ever present. The 'Three Otters' Pinot Noir is a great value out of Oregon. Drink 2016-2021- 89
2014 Fullerton 'Three Otters' Chardonnay-This rich hued Chardonnay starts with aromas of starfruit, mulberry, Pazzaz apple and brioche. There are flavors of Gala apple, nectarine pit, vanilla cream and poached pear. This has both nice balance and fruit flavors. Drink 2016-2021- 88
2014 Fullerton 'Cooper Mountain' Chardonnay- The Cooper Mountain Vineyard is set in Beaverton, not far from Portland. This intriguing Chardonnay opens with a bouquet of wet gravel, Bartlett pear, and nutmeg. There are medium weight flavors of Gravenstein apple, brioche, heavy whipping cream and hints of cardamom. Drink 2016-2022- 89
2013 Fullerton 'Five FACES' Pinot Noir- Initially aromatically reticent, this Pinot begins with aromas of cran-cherry, pomegranate seed, guava and cinnamon stick. There are flavors of cranberry, teaberry, mulberry and red cherry in this slightly astringent, medium weight quaff. Drink 2016-2022- 88
2014 Fullerton 'Five FACES' Pinot Noir- Showing a darker fruit profile than the 2013 'FACES' bottling, this Pinot Noir starts with aromatics reminiscent of black cherry, anise, cola and rhubarb. There are flavors of black cherry, cola, black raspberry, guava puree and hints of black tea. This shows nice range and has a silly mouthfeel. Drink 2016-2024- 90
2013 Fullerton 'Momtazi Vineyard' Pinot Noir- This Pinot Noir has a translucent core and opens with red fruit driven aromas of red currant, red cherry, guava and strawberry puree. There are flavors of red cherry, red raspberry, guava, cremini mushroom, strawberry and a touch of vanilla. This feminine and elegant Pinot shows its Burgundian side. While this doesn't have the weight that many people enjoy, the structure and elegance suggests this will be a long-ager. Drink 2016-2025- 90
2014 Fullerton 'Momtazi Vineyard' Pinot Noir- An exceedingly different flavor profile than the '13 Momtazi, this 2014 Pinot shows aromatics of black truffle, cassis, black cherry, black olive and crushed gravel. The compelling nose brings you back to the glass. Having a deep and rich palate, the wine yields flavors of black cherry, cassis, anise, black truffle and forest floor that nearly mimic the aromas. The balance and weight is there as this wine showcases the heat of this great vintage. Kudos to the Fullerton winemaking team on this great Oregon Pinot Noir. Drink 2016-2026- 92
2013 Fullerton 'Croft Vineyard' Pinot Noir- This wine begins with aromatics of forest floor, crushed wet stone, red cherry with suggestions of black truffle. There are flavors of dill, red cherry, red raspberry and a hint of cola. This is silky wine from this challenging vintage. Medium bodied and balanced, the Burgundian structure of this Pinot suggests this will be a long ager. Drink 2016-2027- 91
2014 Fullerton 'Croft Vineyard' Pinot Noir- This expressive Pinot opens with aromas of smoked brisket, black cherry, wild blackberry and suggestions of thyme and forest floor. There are flavors of red cherry, boysenberry jam, black olive tapenade and creosote. This is slightly more fruity and less earthy than the '14 Montazi, but every bit as good. Lithe and light on its feet, this is simply delicious straight out of the bottle. Drink 2016-2026- 92