Willamette Blanc

Grabbed this as a throwaway welcome drink experiment, just something to kick things off. Well, fuck me - turns out this blend is anything but "simple."

Oxidative from the start, like she's channeling some Jura energy through Oregon. Salt and yellow fruits wrestling with nuts and spices, then this caramel-citrus thing. Yes, it's salty again on the palate (the sea salt thing isn't subtle), somewhat bitter, running a touch too warm for comfort. But the structure! This has bones, architecture, a reason for existing beyond just "hello, welcome, have some wine."

The warmth is my only real complaint - feels like it's wearing a winter coat in September. But there's something beautiful in how unapologetically serious this "welcome drink" turned out to be. Kelley Fox making statements even when you're not expecting them.