Martin Woods Bednarik Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

96 points Decanter: "Fast becoming a house favourite, the Bednarik, from 1988, is own-rooted Pommard and Wadenswil, 2/3 to 1/3, planted on marine sedimentary soils. In 2023, this was picked a month later than any other Martin Woods Pinots. On the palate, this is concentrated fleshy red fruits, cinnamon, clove, and allspice aromatics push, says Evan Martin. A long, resonating tannin structure and a smoky clove note interplay wonderfully with the ripe, fleshy fruits. Round and rich, beautifully juicy with pomegranate and red strawberries."

This is the electricity of Pinot noir! A mesmerizing deep red flavor–think wild strawberry–and a sensational purity and silkiness. The current of energy flowing between those elements and a deep savor, a subtle power, a groundswell of excitement–THAT’S what we mean by the electricity of Pinot.  

Bednarik vineyard is situated in the far northern Willamette Valley, tucked into Oregon's Coast Range near the little village of Cherry Grove. Nights are cool here and the mature (1988) self-rooted vines (Pommard clone) are patient to ripen. The shallow, well-drained marine sedimentary soil provides the vines a balanced stress, resulting in naturally restrained yields, limited canopy growth and lots of air-flow and sun exposure. That results in sun-kissed grape skins and stems and well-developed phenology, and allows for the use of more whole clusters in the fermentation, leading to Pinot noir with delightfully lifted aromatics and a distinctive texture in its youth, which becomes increasing silky and sweet over time as the tannin structure melts. 2018 was only Martin Woods’ second vintage at Bednarik, but they quickly recognized how lucky they are to claim two of the six total acres at this very special site.

Bednarik Vineyard’s resurrection was first made known to us through Hundred Suns, who made a knockout 2016 Pinot noir from the old vines located in the far northwest corner of Willamette Valley. Sure, we knew of the vineyard and had tasted single vineyard wines from it several years back, but when one winemaker you know and trust begins effusively hyping a vineyard, you nod and think, “okay...we’ll wait for the proof.” When a second one does the same, you think, “maybe they’re onto something.” And the third, well, you’re just being daft if you’re not keenly paying attention by now!