Fossil & Fawn Do Nothing

Fossil & Fawn's "Do Nothing" is a testament to minimalist winemaking from Oregon's Willamette Valley. This natural red blend combines 36% Pinot Noir, 34% Pinot Gris, 19% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Blanc, and 1% Muscat, all sourced from organically farmed vineyards. The name reflects the hands-off approach: whole-cluster grapes undergo carbonic maceration in sealed tanks, fermenting naturally without intervention. The result is a vibrant, chillable red that captures the essence of its terroir

Nose: Wildflower honey and bruised yellow apples jump from the glass, followed by an intriguing whiff of chamomile tea. There's a distinctive aromatic complexity—thanks to the Gewürztraminer—bringing notes of lychee and rose water. Underneath lurks a fascinating mineral character reminiscent of wet slate after summer rain, with subtle hints of ginger and orange peel weaving through.
Palate: Electric and alive with a textural richness that defies expectations. Crisp pear and golden apple flavors mingle with Meyer lemon brightness, while the Riesling component adds a streak of lime zest that keeps things lively. The wine's natural approach translates to a slightly cloudy appearance and a fascinating complexity on the palate—some almond skin bitterness balances perfectly against ripe stone fruit sweetness.
Finish: Dry and surprisingly lengthy, with a pleasant phenolic grip that adds dimension. The finish reveals layers you might have missed—candied ginger, dried apricot, and a whisper of jasmine tea. A saline minerality persists, making your mouth water long after swallowing. The tension between fruit, acidity, and texture creates an experience that keeps evolving even after the glass is empty.

This versatile white begs for creative Southeast Asian cuisine—Vietnamese banh mi with aromatic herbs or Thai green papaya salad with its spicy-sour punch. It stands up surprisingly well to richer dishes like roast chicken with preserved lemon or pan-seared scallops with brown butter. For a simple pleasure, pair with fresh goat cheese drizzled with honey and cracked black pepper, where the wine's complexity amplifies the sweet-savory contrast.