Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay 09
Jim's favorite wine is his Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay - if you don't know his Chard, you don't know Jim. This is a "full circle" wine; Jim's Mom Martha was pregnant with him when she planted the Chardonnay vines that would turn into her son's favorite.
One of a kind. Smelling it is like sticking your head into a bowl of sun-ripened pears, then starting to mix in Meyer lemons, a couple slices of fresh-cut pineapple, and a mixed handful of stones and seashells. A phenomenal texture - more like a red wine than a white - is supported by a wallop of acidity. Jim doesn't filter or fine his Chardonnays, a rarity among Oregon white wines. Left alone for 14 months in 25% new oak, which melds nicely and will continue to integrate with years in the cellar.
At 12.8% alcohol, you should expect this to age for over a decade.
From the high-elevation, top of the hill, non-irrigated 108 clone Chardonnay vines. - Marcus
Previous Vintage Tasting Notes
2008 Vintage Tasting Notes
The beautiful liquid gold gushes: Meyer lemon, pear, honey, jasmine, wet stone, toast, and a little bramley apple on the finish. Extravagant texture and huge, sweet fruit is balanced by amazing acid - this Chard finishes clean and fresh. This is an absolute show-stopper.
Jim's Chardonnay spent 15 months in a new Dargaud & Jaegle light toast barrel, with no fining or filtering before bottling. 26 year-old vine Chardonnay from the top of the hill in the Maresh Vineyard. - Marcus
2005 Vintage Tasting Notes
Maresh Vineyard, one of the oldest in Oregon, contains a few rows of old vine Chardonnay fruit. Easily one of the top Oregon Chardonnays we've tasted in a decade, this sophisticated white offers up green apple and sweet lime custard, with vibrant, focused acidity and hints of stony minerality. With almost two years of barrel aging, all in neutral oak, the wine has a round, unctuous mouthfeel, which is certain to intensify with age. A fantastic Chard for cellaring, or with food. Highly recommended -50 cases made.
