Wine Reviews

95

White Rose Estate 2024 Pure Imagination Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon (Auction lot from 2026 WVWA)

This Pommard and 115 Pinot from winemakers Greg Urmini and Michael Pasquarelli comes from old-vine, high-elevation vineyards and reflects what they call their “refined whole-cluster fermentation technique.” It’s got a restrained color in the glass, with red-fruit aromas accented by vegetal characteristics: sliced tomato and tomato leaf. The palate is awash in strawberry candy, with absolutely gorgeous fruit purity. A fine mesh of tannins makes itself known on the finish, but keeps beautiful grace. This is a really nice wine, the tannin and acid combo should carry it for a decade plus in the cellar.

94

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2024 Fuller’s Legacy Pinot Noir, Tualatin Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon (Auction lot from 2026 WVWA)

This Pommard-clone Pinot from Bill Fuller comes from own-rooted vines that he planted in 1973. It’s got graceful aromas of strawberry and dried cherry, accented with cedar dust and baking spice. The light color of the wine belies a palate that is nice and full on entry, showing off a round, supple texture. Firm yet fine tannins frame the finish very nicely, carrying lingering spice notes. This is a very nice wine that will be delightful over the next 10 years.

97

Charles Gardet 2008 Prestige Brut, Champagne, France ($150)

Beautifully luscious and packed with French pastry notes, flaky croissant, and layered ripe orchard fruit drizzled with lemon juice, building with a rich, creamy mousse, nougat, and sleek, wet slate minerality, supported by crunchy apple-skin tannins, and finishing with tremendous length, toasted almonds, and almond butter. 70% Chardonnay from the Cotes des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, with 30% Pinot Noir from the Vallée de la Marne. No malo, and aged 15 years on the lees. It’s so fresh, and so rich at the same time, so impressive.

92

Brad’s Rum & Cola Pineapple Blend RTD Cocktail ($2.50)

With a foundation of oak barre-aged rum, this extraordinary canned cocktail is superb chilled, with ice, and even more fun poured in a glass with a wedge of pineapple. The cola offers a fine, nutty spiced which the natural pineapple flavor lingers on the finish. Comes in 12 oz. cans in four packs; 5.9% abv.

92

Brad’s Rum & Cola Pineapple Blend RTD Cocktail ($2.50)

92

Bushel Organic Citrus Vodka ($17)

Five times distilled and at 70-proof, lime sings out of the glass, its aroma vivid and powerful. Bouncy on the palate. With lime meringue creaminess and a saline finish. Made from organic American corn.

92

Bushel Organic Citrus Vodka ($17)

92

Bushel Organic Double Espresso Vodka ($17)

A beautifully balanced small batch spirit with no apparent heat. Coffee notes are Swiss chocolate-sweet – not cloying – and quite delicious.