Arterberry Maresh, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2022

Overview of the Wine
Third generation Dundee Hills grape grower Jim Maresh launched his own brand in 2007. Jim’s grandparents, Jim and Loie, first planted Maresh Vineyard in 1970 when Eyrie was the only other vineyard in the Dundee Hills. Jim senior still works the vine rows on his tractor at 84 years of age. Jim senior’s daughter, Martha Maresh, married Fred Arterberry, one of the first post-prohibition winemakers in Oregon who sadly passed away too young in 1990. Jim junior is their son. The Arterberry Maresh label recalls the font and label design Arterberry Winery used in the 1980s. Those who have driven up Worden Hill Road in Dundee will remember seeing the Maresh Red Barn on the left. The iconic vineyard surrounding it with 40-year old vines has always been farmed organic. If Oregon vineyards were classified like Burgundy Maresh would certainly be a Grand Cru. The philosophy at Arterberry Maresh adheres to old vine Dundee Hills fruit, alcohols under 14% (preferably mid 12 to lower 13%), new oak kept under 15% on Pinot, no pumping, no fining, no filtering, no acidulating, no watering. The goal is purity of fruit and naturality expressing terroir with elegance and ageworthiness.

Grape / Blend
Pinot Noir

Origin
Willamette Valley, Oregon

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
A classic Dundee Hills drinking beautifully now. Red plum, cinnamon, raspberry liqueur. Seamless red nectar hits a wall of fine tannin. Has the high toned concentration of fruit leather.

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 
The 2022 Pinot Noir Old Vines has explosive aromas of raspberry, strawberry, tangerine, licorice, fern and amaro. The light-bodied palate is just as gregarious, bursting with fruit and spice that accent a concentrated core of berry fruit. It has a luxuriously silky texture, fireworks of fresh acidity and a very long, layered finish.

94 Points - Vinous
The 2022 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Old Vines is remarkably pretty, cascading up from the glass with a vibrant blend of minty herbs and crushed cherries complemented by hints of cola and spice. This has energy to spare, silken in feel with ripe red berry fruits that envelop the senses. It takes on a darker shade toward the close as tactile minerals saturate. A bump of juicy acidity enlivens the finish as sweet tannins tug at the senses and notes of blood orange slowly fade. The 2022 is like a well-muscled dancer. It's already so likable that many collectors may not have the patience to watch it fully mature. The Dundee Hills Old Vines is sourced from vines that average 41 years old, all Pommard clones, sourced from 75% Maresh and 25% Weber Vineyard.

Product size: 750ml