TASTING NOTES:
I’m the most excited about this one," Jim Maresh says with a smile, noting that he just might like the 2021 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard better than the excellent 2019. "The chemistry is almost identical for 2019 and 2021," he explains. "However, the way they went about getting there was completely opposite. 2021 was a straightforward, dry year, while 2019 was more of a journey, with periods of rain during the harvest." Pale ruby-purple, the 2019 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard opens slowly on the nose to reveal high-toned raspberry, Italian plum, blood orange and lavender; next to emerge are notes of mushroom and damp earth evocative of an Oregon forest. The palate is finely balanced, with highly complex, layered flavors framed by tea-like tannins and lip-smacking acidity, and it has a hauntingly long finish. It will be long lived in the cellar.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 97 pts.
The 2021 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard is a pure joy, as mint and sage nuances combine with cedar and wild strawberry hints. Silky smooth yet finessed, this is built on purity, with tart red berry fruit depths and saturating tactile minerals. Zesty acidity enlivens the senses as the 2021 finishes long and staining, leaving notes of steeped plum and slowly fading black-tea-like tannins. While structured and youthful, the 2021 is beautifully balanced for an extended maturation.
- Vinous, 96 pts.
