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Fullerton Wines 2014 Three Otters Pinot Noir
For the love of family and wine
It started in preschool. The teacher called home one day and told Eric and Susanne Fullerton that their young son, Alex, was swirling and smelling his milk each day before he tasted it!
Today, Alex is the head winemaker at Fullerton Wines – a family venture that’s got everyone involved. Eric is Alex’s #2, Susanne runs the business operations, son Filip works as a cellar hand after school, and daughter Caroline does the graphic design.
Of course, the passion for wine started even before the kids came along. As a young man, Eric worked as a cellar hand in Germany, and had a chance to travel Europe with a friend, seeking out cellar wines to add to the friend’s family collection. Susanne met Eric, and she fell in love with him, and his love of wine.
That love of wine transferred to Alex and upon college graduation, a chance tasting-room encounter with Lynn Penner-Ash landed him a job as a harvest intern. Before long, father and son decided to try their hand at making wine in the garage.
Five years later, the family is producing 5000 cases a year!
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Fullerton Wines, Portland, Oregon
2014 Three Otters Pinot Noir
Three Otters is the Fullerton family’s second label. The three playful otters featured on the label are a variation on the otters that have been a part of their family crest since the 13th century. And along those lines, these wines are friendly and playful and meant for everyday enjoyment.
The 2014 Three Otters Pinot Noir is a classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Lovely and fruit-forward, it has wonderful blackberry, strawberry and cherry flavors. But there is also an intensity to the wine that comes through with earthy qualities including wild mushrooms, herbs and even a hint of leather.
Alex Fullerton emphasizes organic vineyard management and natural yeast. These wines are not fined, which means they’re even vegan-friendly!
2014 was a wonderful year for Oregon wine, and this Fullerton edition is a great representation of the Pinot Noirs that have emerged.
A Cellar 503 selection in March 2016, Suburban Wines Willamette Valley | Pinot Noir
