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Mike's American Series Oregon Dinner

Hawthorne, Kew, TW9

Tasted May 23, 2023 by fussyeater with 78 views

Flight 1 - Aperitif - Mushroom truffle arancini and caramelised onion brioche (1 note)

White - Sparkling
N.V. Philipponnat Champagne Royale Réserve Non Dosé France, Champagne
90 points
First knowing encounter with this producer. Elderflower and apple on the nose, seems a little sour but seems to work as there's good energy and persistence. Decent.

Flight 2 - Peppered Beef Carpacio (2 notes)

Red
2017 00 Wines Pinot Noir Hyland USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills
93 points
To die for nose (pot pourri, strawberry fruits, rose petals, forest floor etc.). Delicate and balanced with laser precision. Kind of frustrating because to my palate it needed a bit more midpalate depth and seemed clipped on the finish. Yet for what it is, it is great, and quite compelling, and unanimous WOTN.
Red
2014 Brick House Pinot Noir Evelyn's USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Ribbon Ridge
89 points
Inexpressive nose and seemed slightly tired on the midpalate as it lacked vibrancy and seemed a little loose and unfocused. Still, there were nice slightly decayed raspberry and balsamic notes with a touch of forest floor. It was tough to go next to the 00 and perhaps this wine would have been better by itself outside of the context of a wine dinner.

Flight 3 - Roast Skate Wing (3 notes)

White
2018 00 Wines Chardonnay Chehalem Mountain USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
92 points
Nose was slightly tropical although elderflower showed later on. Profile was clearly more open and fruit / citrus driven than say Morgen Long, but there was good midpalate energy and freshness. Seemed well cut with good precision.
White
2018 Arterberry Maresh Chardonnay Eyrie Vineyard USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
89 points
I didn't quite fully understand this wine. It seemed restrained and slightly anonymous or dare I say "international". There was a muted nose, a little smoke, reasonably well judged acidity.
White
2016 Morgen Long Chardonnay Sandi USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
91 points
Slightly reductive start which later blew off and seems to carry the Morgen Long signature (in a good way - of course). Medium bodied with a lemony profile and midpalate interplay between sweet and savoury whilst remaining saline and focused. V. accomplished but ultimately not at the top of the tree of my ML experiences. Still a treat to try.
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Flight 4 - Iberico Presa (3 notes)

Red
2018 Sequitur Pinot Noir Jack USA, Oregon
91 points
Very pure and ethereal nose leading the way to a medium bodied sappy and fresh but concentrated pinot noire where purity of fruit is at the forefront. It would have benefited from serving a touch cooler but for me it seemed foursquare Sequitur where the viticulture and savoir-faire in the winemaking shows.
Red
2015 Antica Terra Pinot Noir Botanica USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
90 points
Inexpressive nose led the way to a savoury red fruits, wood, and a peppery midpalate. Probably served a bit too warm but didn't obviously appeal.
Red
2005 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Laurène USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
89 points
Prunes and darker red fruit on the nose. Lacks freshness and with cloying tannins and after some time in the glass became a bit better on the finish. I was really hoping for more as it is the oldest Oregon I have tried by some distance. Still a treat to try, but ultimately not my cup of tea.

Flight 5 - Apple Crumble Souffle (1 note)

White
2020 ATS Pincészet Tokaji Pince Hungary, Tokaji
Initially I thought this was a bit flabby but came to the view that it was actually decent with good focus, fruit concentration and length. Impressive and likely a good value.
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