The popularity of Oregon wines has grown exponentially over the past several years, and a high scoring, classically-styled show-stopper of an Oregon Pinot Noir just landed here at Hi-Time! Scoring 98 points (Jeb Dunnuck) and 96 points (Vinous Media), this wine truly represents Oregon Pinot Noir at its finest!
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 ‘Maresh’ vineyard Pinot Noir is a distinctive red, utilizing the Pommard and Wadenswil clones. This wine was crafted exclusively from own-rooted, non-irrigated vines, a factor often contributing to unique vine expression. In the cellar, the grapes were 100% destemmed and underwent fermentation using wild yeast, maintaining a hands-off approach. The resulting wine was then aged for 24 months in barrel to ultimately produce a wine that’s absolutely gorgeous in color and a bouquet of red fruit and floral notes that make this wine shine.
The incredible momentum behind Oregon wines culminates with the arrival of this highly-anticipated Arterberry Maresh 2023 Maresh Vineyard Pinot Noir. This is not just great Oregon wine; this bottling is a world-class example of Pinot Noir that reveals the deeply-rooted quality that comes from the Maresh family's legacy in the Dundee Hills. A history now carried forward by Jim Maresh, who honors the pioneering work of his stepfather, Fred Arterberry, Jr., by crafting fresh, lively, and truly Burgundian-styled wines on his family's original property.
Recognition of this legacy does not go unnoticed, as Audrey Frick from Jeb Dunnuck scores it 98 points saying the wine has “remarkable definition”, while Eric Guido from Vinous Media gives it 96 points and says “The 2023 Pinot Noir Maresh is impossible to ignore”. Frankly, if someone who has been critiquing wine for years said a wine is impossible to ignore, there has to be some proof in the pudding! So be sure to grab a bottle of this while you can because this wine does sell out!!
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS - " Brighter and more red-fruited, the 2023 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard opens with raspberries, roses, and hibiscus. Medium-bodied, it has remarkable definition, angular yet ripe tannins, refreshing acidity, and fabulous length. It's a beautifully refined expression that should continue to evolve over the coming two decades. Drink 2027-2047.”
VINOUS 96 POINTS - " The 2023 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard is impossible to ignore, offering an array of crushed cherries and minty herbs, along with a hint of clove and stone dust that tempt the senses. Elegance defines the feel, as velvety textures are supported by cool-toned acidity while red and blue fruits swirl across the palate, leaving a crunchy mineral tinge toward the close. A web of fine-grained tannins adds structure and poise as the 2023 finishes with outstanding length and energy, leaving inner rose tones and a pleasantly bitter twang to linger. Fabulous.”
