Vineyard: Maresh

Maresh
AppellationDundee Hills
StoryOne of the Willamette Valley's oldest Pinot Noir vineyards, planted in 1970 on Worden Hill Rd. Grapes are sold to Arterberry Maresh, Scott Paul, Kelley Fox and the new project from Jean-Nicholas Meo and Jay Boberg. Self-rooted, 95% free of phylloxera. Dry-farmed to organic standards.
VarietiesPinot Noir

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Red Barn Block Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 46 cases, $60. Sourced from the Maresh Vineyard’s original blocks of Wadenswil and Pommard surrounding the Maresh Red Barn. Jim Maresh, who founded Maresh Red Hills Vineyard (fifth oldest vineyard in Oregon) still tractor farms the vines each year. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Expressive nose offering aromas of red cherry, blueberry and rose petal. Elegant and refined in a comforting, classy mid weight style with pleasing richness of dark red cherry flavor. Exquisitely balanced with a modest but thoroughly agreeable finish. Score: 92. Reviewed November 17, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Red Barn Blocks Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 46 cases, $75. Grapes were sourced from the original 1970 plantings of Wädenswil and Pommard clones surrounding the Maresh Red Barn. Maresh is the 5th oldest vineyard in Oregon and is farmed by Jim and Loie Maresh. Kelley was formerly the winemaker for Scott Paul for ten years . Her long-time personal relationships in the Willamette Valley allow her to source outstanding fruit from Maresh Vineyard, Hyland Vineyard and Momtazi Vineyard. This wine saw no new oak (as all Kelley Fox Pinot Noirs).

Note: Four 2018 Maresh Vineyard Pinot Noirs are currently offered including three block-designates ($75-$100) at www.kelleyfoxwines.com.

· Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. A very elegant, feminine wine with gracious aromas of red cherry, spice, sandalwood and thyme. Very silky and sexy on the palate with fresh flavors of red cherry and red currant. Impeccably balanced with a lasting finish. This wine is at a nadir now. Score: 95. Reviewed May 25, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Star of Bethlehem Flower Block Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 86 cases, $75, screw cap. Old, self-rooted vines. “Star of Bethlehem” flowers grow in the vine rows of this block. · Light ruby red color in the glass. A perfumed nose offers aromas of white flowers, red berry, cherry, spice, sandalwood and red licorice. Light in weight in a very delicate style with flavors of red cherry and red berry, a touch of spice and a hint of herbaceousness. The tannins are very fine grained and the acidity provides good verve. This diaphanous wine may be too demurely extracted for those seeking richer fruit flavor. Score: 91. Reviewed November 17, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $59. Non-irrigated old vines. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light cherry red color in the glass. The nose is primary, with only delicate aromas of black cherry and complimentary oak toast and spice. Light to mid weight flavors of dark red cherry are offered in a very gentle wine with good mid palate intensity and some finishing generosity. This wine won’t open your eyes, but has good character and balance. Much better presentation when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The wine could take on more power and nuance with additional time in bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Scott Paul Le Paulée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $39, screwcap. Sourced from Maresh and Nysa vineyards in the Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge and Azana vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Flamboyant aromas of ripe black cherries, black raspberries, red grapes and spice lead to a rich and satisfying mid weight palate of dark cherry, dark berry and black plum flavors. The mouth feel is pure velvet and plush, and the finish is persistent. Plenty of sap in this vintage. Score: 91. Reviewed July 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $55. From third generation Dundee Hills winemaker Jim Maresh. Vinified in a small winery at the top of Maresh Vineyard. Non-irrigated vines. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose never really arrives even after extensive swirling over 2 hours. Shy scents of underbrush and seasoned oak. Moderately rich black cherry and black raspberry flavors with plenty of oak underpinning. Still sporting young fine-grain tannins and the fruit tastes a tad under ripe. There is vibrant acidity and some finishing intensity. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was about the same. I would give this wine at least another year in bottle to emerge. Score: 89. Reviewed July 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Scott Paul Audrey Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $83. Magnums too ($175). Sourced from special old vine blocks of Maresh Vineyard. · Moderately dark reddish purple color that glows in the glass. Spectacular aromas of raspberry, dark cherry and spice that pick up intensity over time in the glass. Mid to full-bodied core of juicy black cherry and black raspberry flavors that are vivid and uplifting. The finish is intense with flavors fanning out in unabashed generosity. This wine has that old vine nuance that emotes. Big and curvy in this vintage, this normally elegant bottling still retains some of that seductiveness. More restrained at this stage than the Le Paulée, but offers more upside long term. A wine to contemplate. Score: 94. Reviewed July 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.6% alc., $58. Non-irrigated vines. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Marked reduction upon opening which resolves by the following day from an opened bottle. Light and elegant presentation of red cherries, raspberries and cranberries with a dried herb note in the background. Hi-strung with delicate tannins finishing with a tart cherry theme. The fruit seems under ripe. This wine has received considerable favorable press, but honestly, I don’t get it. Good. Reviewed November 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Scott Paul La Paulée Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., $32, screw cap. Finest lots of the vintage from the winery’s blocks of Maresh Vineyard. Indigenous yeast fermentation. Aged 10 months in 20% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light deep red color in the glass. Lovely perfume of dark cherries, herbs and mocha java. Plenty of body and weight with multiple layers of fruit that really jump out. Rich flavors of fresh dark cherries, raspberry coulis, mocha and sandalwood with gossamer tannins, bright acidity and easy drinkability. Could use a little more time in the cellar to shed its oak sheen but very hard to resist now. Pick any superlative you want. Reviewed May 11, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 J. Christopher Dundee Hills Cuvée Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 450 cases, $35. A barrel selection from several vineyards including Bella Vida, Baptista, Maresh, Charlie’s, Abbey Ridge and Le Pavillon. Unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very shy initially, but opens beautifully over time in the glass revealing aromas of dark red and purple fruits with wood spice and subtle oak vanillin. Earthy and charming, with a medium weight core of darker Bing cherry and raspberry flavors perfectly accented by oak notes of spice and anise, and displaying a fancy thrust of pure fruit on the finish. Light on its feet and very accommodating. A step up over the Willamette Valley bottling. Reviewed January 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Et Fille Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 103 cases, $42. Pommard clone. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Demure, but pleasing perfume of red and black berries, with hints of smoky oak and tobacco. A young, but sophisticated wine, with a stunning array of black cherry, red currant, and red plum flavors robed in immature tannins. The pedigree of the fruit is obvious. Still showing some unintegrated oak. A powerhouse that is impenetrable and not ready for prime time. Like a new pair of Christian Louboutin shoes: able to attract plenty of attention. Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Daedalus Cellars Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.4% alc.. · Moderately light red cherry color in the glass. Terrific aromatic presence with vivid aromas of cherry and rose petal. Juicy and light on its feet, feminine in character, with a charge of cherry and red berry fruit on the attack and an amazingly long finish that seems to return in waves. Ideal now, but could hold short to mid term. Score: 94. Reviewed February 8, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Kelley Fox Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $49, screw cap. From over 38-year-old non-irrigated Wädenswil vines. Aged in 30% new French oak. · Enticing and effusive aromas of spiced cherries, woodshed and evergreen. Very charming cherry, red currant and red plum fruit with hints of cola and brown spice. A loamy note adds character. Silky smooth with soft tannins and impeccable balance. Still a debutante and best to keep your hands off this one for a couple of years. Very Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Daedalus Cellars Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

12.4% alc., 24 cases, $60. Released May 2011. From the oldest vineyard on Worden Hill Road in the Dundee Hills. 60% Wädenswil and 40% Pommard clones. Since 2007, the southern half of the vineyard has been farmed by Daedalus organically. Yields 1.0-1.6 tons per acre. 32-day cold soak. Native fermentation. Unfined and unfiltered. · Lighter redder-toned color in the glass. Intense aromas of dark red cherries and berries with oak in the background. Impressive mid palate flavors of dark red cherries, raspberries and cranberries with complimentary oak spice and toast. Seamless, sophisticated and classy with a capital C. Very light on its feet and elegant in structure. Will be better over time as the oak integrates but hard to resist now. Reviewed August 13, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $75. Unfined and unfiltered. · Reluctant nose initially offering some berry fruit, oak and a green pea note. Substantial classy core of berry and red plum fruit with a slight green edge. Silky in the mouth with harmonious acid and tannin interplay. Doesn’t excite upon opening but becomes more giving the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, offering more fruit aromatically and more intense pure fruit flavors. Like so many 2008 Pinot Noirs from Oregon, this wine needs time to come together and may eventually titillate. Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Et Fille Wines Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 151 cases, $42. This heritage vineyard was planted by Jim Maresh in the Dundee Hills more than thirty years ago. Pommard clone. Aged 9 months in 39% new French oak. · Decanted before tasting. Lovely deep cherry aromas show great purity. A touch of alcohol peeks out on the nose. Modest in power but delivering plenty of juicy red cherries and berries that are nicely complimented by Asian spices. Very smooth and elegant, building in intensity with time in the glass. This wine may ultimately top the Kalita. If you drink it now, spend some time with it. Reviewed March 26, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Daedalus Cellars Labyrinth Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 620 cases, $45. This wine is a cuvée of some of the best barrels in the cellar in any given vintage. Primarily Pommard clone with some Dijon 114 and Wädenswil clones from old-vine fruit sourced from Seven Springs, Maresh and Murto vineyards and younger fruit from Carabella Vineyard. Cold soaked for 7 to 32 days, 15% whole cluster fermentation, processed entirely by gravity, total skin contact 17 to 42 days, aged 14 months in 28% new French oak, unfined and unfiltered. · Aromas of toasty oak, hay, earth and barnyard dominate the demure dark fruits. The wine has a tasty core of black cherries and black raspberries with an underlying woodiness and a touch of citric peel on the persistent finish. The tannins are reigned in nicely. This wine should improve in the bottle over the next several years. Reviewed March 26, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Et Fille Maresh Vineyard Jim’s Block Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., 101 cases +, $48. There is a great story behind this wine that you should read (www.etfille.com/wines/07jims.html). A one-time tribute to Maresh Vineyard. Sourced from a 1971 planting by Jim Maresh (Block 1) of Wädenswil. Aged 9 months in 50% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Delicate, but pleasing aromas of red cherries and berries, dried rose petals and sandalwood. Light and graceful on the palate, with savory red fruit flavors and a hint of complimentary oak. A relatively austere wine styled in the Burgundian tradition. Very good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Scott Paul Audrey Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., $65, screw cap. A barrel of the finest, most elegant and silkiest wine of the vintage. Sourced from blocks of Maresh Vineyard in the Dundee Hills planted in 1970. The name of this wine comes from Audrey Hepburn and is crafted to reflect her stylish grace and elegance. Also available in magnums. · This is not a “reserve” wine that is pumped up with fruit and oak. Restrained but very alluring perfume of crushed red berries, Provencal herbs, Chinese five-spice and gentle oak. Light, feminine and very satiny, yet delivers plenty of vibrant fruit flavor. The tannins are gossamer and the pleasing finish hints of fresh herbs and oak. The pedigree of the vineyard shows through and this is the most sophisticated wine of the Scott Paul trio. Reviewed May 7, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $74.95. · A little more color than the appellation bottling. Very heady and penetrating aromas of dark red cherries. Sumptuous red berry and cherry fruits with a sidecar of herbs and a slight green note. Plush, yet elegant with adequate tannins and acidity to support the fruit. Still somewhat reserved and will benefit from another year in bottle. Reviewed May 7, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Arterberry Maresh Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 125 cases, $35. This wine is made from declassified old vine fruit from non irrigated vines in the Maresh Vineyard. · Displaying a lighter crimson color than the other two Arterberry wines, the nose is classic Chambolle with hitoned red cherry, baking spice and oak. Redder fruits including strawberry are nicely weighted and balanced with bright acidity and subtle oak tannins. The flavors and aromas dissipate with time and air. A comforting Pinot that the Pinot Geek likes to drink now. Reviewed September 15, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Et Fille Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $42. · Noticeably redder and lighter in color. Shy aromas of herbed red fruits with a petrol note. Light and elegant on the palate, the red cherry, red currant and pomegranate flavors are enhanced by a luscious spiciness most noticeably nutmeg. Reviewed December 17, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Et Fille Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 228 cases, $42. Pommard clone from a 2-acre block planted in 1990. · This one speaks of the soil on the nose with an aromatic combination of wet new wood, earth, barnyard, wild berries and Pinot must. Mouth-filling and lush red strawberries and Bing cherries are enhanced by baking spices and a touch of tobacco. No tannin in sight. Plenty of finesse and a stylish effort through and through. Jessica Mozeico says, “This is smooth luxury - like the curved lines of a Jaguar.” Reviewed September 15, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Daedalus Cellars Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 140 cases, $60. Aron has worked with fruit from the Maresh Vineyard since his time at Rex Hill Vineyards starting in 1998 and is his favorite vineyard. Maresh Vineyard is the oldest planting on Worden Hill Road in the Dundee Hills. Yields are naturally low (1 to 1.6 tons per acre). · Very fruity scents of dark red berry compote with oak playing a pleasing supportive role. Luscious and vibrant core of raspberry fruit with a hint of brioche. Harmonious in every way with an unbelievable persistence on the aromatic finish lasting at least 30 seconds. The pedigree of the fruit really shines through. In my experience, it is extremely rare to find a Pinot Noir with such remarkable persistence. Reviewed March 26, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 75 cases, $75. From non irrigated old vines. · Intense deep, dark reddish-purple color. Alluring and complex aromatics brimming with ripe grapes, plums, fresh bread and herbs. Darker Pinot fruits carry the theme on the palate with overtones of savory herbs, forest floor and oak. A commendable effort that has a subtle richness and refined mouthfeel. This wine has impressive breeding and it shows it. Reviewed September 15, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Et Fille Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 125 cases, $38. Maresh Vineyard has produced striking Pinot Noirs by Rex Hill Vineyards and others for over thirty years. Howard is able to source Pommard clones from two blocks at Maresh. One block, the “Reservoir,” is the only part of the vineyard still farmed by Jim Maresh, who originally planted the vineyard. Aged 10 months in 100% new French oak. · The fruity and woodsy nose offers great interest. Plenty of dark cherries at its heart, this beauty offers additional notes of baking spice, vanilla and shrooms. The long, long finish is striking. Very nice balance here. Reviewed August 13, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Scott Paul Audrey Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 130 cases, $55. This represents a selection of a few favorite barrels of the vintage. Audrey is named after the cinematic icon Ms. Hepburn who personified grace and elegance. This is a unique wine in that all of the fruit came from Maresh Vineyard. This vineyard was planted in 1970 (making it the fourth oldest planting in Oregon), and is Wädenswil clone on own-rooted, non-irrigated vines. · I tasted this wine briefly at the IPNC Salmon Bake so I don’t have extensive notes. I remember that I was bowled over by the powerful and intoxicating aromatics. I found plenty to like as I sampled the wine and this is definitely the most striking, complex and age worthy Pinot Noir in the Scott Paul lineup. Reviewed August 13, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »