The popularity of Oregon wines has grown exponentially over the past several years, and a high scoring, classically-styled Oregon Chardonnay and Pinot Noir just landed here at Hi-Time... and they are show-stoppers! These newly-released wines from Arterberry Maresh have, respectively, earned 97 and 95 point scores!
The Maresh family's history is deeply rooted in the Dundee Hills. A pivotal moment occurred in 1980 when Martha, daughter of Jim and Loie Maresh, married Fred Arterberry, Jr. Arterberry was a significant figure in early Oregon winemaking, notable for being among the first in the state to hold a fermentation science degree from UC Davis. Throughout the 1970s, he crafted numerous highly acclaimed wines from the Maresh Vineyard under his own label. After Fred's death in 1990, the original Arterberry winery closed. Fred and Martha's son, Jim Maresh, honored his family's legacy by establishing the current winery, Arterberry Maresh, in 2005.
The 2023 Chardonnay is sourced from mature vines planted in 1983, utilizing the Wente Selection clone. These vines are also own-rooted and situated on an East-facing slope at an elevation of 750 feet. Following fermentation, the wine underwent a maturation process involving 8 months in barrel, with 30% new oak, and was then finished in steel for an additional 6 months. While green apple, citrus, nectarines are front and center in the flavor showcase, salinity and acidity coexist perfectly to make sure that this wine retains its precision and vibrancy to give it that true Burgundian style that Arterberry Maresh is known for.
ANTONIO GALLONI'S VINOUS MEDIA 97 POINTS - "Tasting with Jim Maresh is always a pleasure. It’s inspiring to absorb his enthusiasm for what he does, his love of the region and his vision for Oregon’s untapped potential. The wines here always communicate purity, energy and complexity. Maresh prefers to pick fruit 'al dente' (early) in order to achieve a certain 'crunchiness' in the wines, but the truth is that he’s actually picking at the ideal ripeness level for his sites."
"The 2023 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard seduces with a burst of crushed flint stones, dusty sage, nectarine and gingery spice. Its textures are otherworldly, nearly oily yet sleek, with a sour citrus nervousness that excites the palate as opulently ripe apricot settles on the senses. Despite its weight and intensity, this 2023 Chardonnay leaves the palate reeling with tension, salty and lime intense, with a strong mineral resonance that adds lasting crunchiness. Gorgeous today yet balanced for a long evolution."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS - "The 2023 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard was matured in 25% new oak plus an additional six months in stainless steel. It has understated aromas of apricot, panna cotta, beeswax, cereal and flint. The light-bodied palate has a silky texture and alluringly creamy, honey-nut flavors. It’s balanced by mouthwatering acidity and has a long, perfumed finish."
The Maresh family's history is deeply rooted in the Dundee Hills. A pivotal moment occurred in 1980 when Martha, daughter of Jim and Loie Maresh, married Fred Arterberry, Jr. Arterberry was a significant figure in early Oregon winemaking, notable for being among the first in the state to hold a fermentation science degree from UC Davis. Throughout the 1970s, he crafted numerous highly acclaimed wines from the Maresh Vineyard under his own label. After Fred's death in 1990, the original Arterberry winery closed. Fred and Martha's son, Jim Maresh, honored his family's legacy by establishing the current winery, Arterberry Maresh, in 2005.
The 2023 Chardonnay is sourced from mature vines planted in 1983, utilizing the Wente Selection clone. These vines are also own-rooted and situated on an East-facing slope at an elevation of 750 feet. Following fermentation, the wine underwent a maturation process involving 8 months in barrel, with 30% new oak, and was then finished in steel for an additional 6 months. While green apple, citrus, nectarines are front and center in the flavor showcase, salinity and acidity coexist perfectly to make sure that this wine retains its precision and vibrancy to give it that true Burgundian style that Arterberry Maresh is known for.
ANTONIO GALLONI'S VINOUS MEDIA 97 POINTS - "Tasting with Jim Maresh is always a pleasure. It’s inspiring to absorb his enthusiasm for what he does, his love of the region and his vision for Oregon’s untapped potential. The wines here always communicate purity, energy and complexity. Maresh prefers to pick fruit 'al dente' (early) in order to achieve a certain 'crunchiness' in the wines, but the truth is that he’s actually picking at the ideal ripeness level for his sites."
"The 2023 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard seduces with a burst of crushed flint stones, dusty sage, nectarine and gingery spice. Its textures are otherworldly, nearly oily yet sleek, with a sour citrus nervousness that excites the palate as opulently ripe apricot settles on the senses. Despite its weight and intensity, this 2023 Chardonnay leaves the palate reeling with tension, salty and lime intense, with a strong mineral resonance that adds lasting crunchiness. Gorgeous today yet balanced for a long evolution."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS - "The 2023 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard was matured in 25% new oak plus an additional six months in stainless steel. It has understated aromas of apricot, panna cotta, beeswax, cereal and flint. The light-bodied palate has a silky texture and alluringly creamy, honey-nut flavors. It’s balanced by mouthwatering acidity and has a long, perfumed finish."
