My favorite Maresh Chardonnay in memory. It smells exactly like the Chardonnay I want to drink. Fresh, golden fruits join with mouthwatering lemon and apricot to create the perfect combo of voluminous and racy, with a gentleness that Jim attributes to the Wente clone.* Super-complete, mega-refreshing, kissed with lovely accents of jasmine, chamomile, fresh cream and flint. A Chardonnay rainbow with a pot of gold at each end.
4 barrels (100 cases) were made, exclusively from the 1974 and 1983 plantings of Wente clone Chard in Maresh Vineyard. *And as Jim said to us last week, "the only reason I care about clones is that it makes a big [ ] difference.
The perfect accompaniment to halibut, summer squash two ways, and a bunch of goodies from the market and our garden.
2015 vintage notes
94 points Vinous: "Intense mineral- and smoke-accented citrus and orchard fruit scents show outstanding clarity and hints of jasmine and iodine. Displays deeper pit fruit character on the palate, offering juicy, smoke-accented nectarine, pear and Meyer lemon flavors that show excellent tension as well as concentration. The mineral quality repeats strongly on the penetrating finish, which leaves behind sappy Meyer lemon and mineral notes." - Josh Raynolds
2014 vintage notes
Expansive richness marries linear precision, forming this beautiful partnership. Meyer lemon custard, ginger, a mouthwatering salinity, finishing with hazelnut and granny smith apple through the long, vibrant finish. This has taken a few months to settle into itself and now that it has, it is simply stellar. - Marcus
2012 vintage notes
Before I even tasted this wine, Jim told me it was the best wine he's ever made - that's red and white. When I hear such statements I take them with a grain of salt until I taste for myself. With three separate tastings down, I may not be ready to crown this the best wine he's ever made, but it's the best Chardonnay for sure, and damn close.
The most complete Arterberry Maresh Chard yet. Precision and mouthwatering freshness meets expansive richness. Lemon custard, jasmine, a hint of golden raspberry, finishing with a touch of macadamia nut butter and sweet pear through the long finish. 75 cases made. - Marcus
Previous vintage notes: For all the praise that's been (rightly) heaped on Jim Maresh's Pinots, he's a Chardonnay fanatic and his Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay is the flagship wine in his line-up.
Flint, ginger, lemon custard with touches of key lime, a texture that begins subtly, building richness the longer it's open. Ultimately a wine for your cellar, this has tons of coiled energy and brightness that unfolds in layers as you spend time with the bottle. A stellar American Chardonnay, and highly recommended. - Marcus
Maresh Vineyard, one of the oldest in Oregon, contains a few rows of old vine Chardonnay fruit. The dozen or so barrels of wine made from it by Jim Maresh in most vintages are some of the top Oregon Chardonnays we've tasted in the last decade. Jim's favorite wine is his Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay - if you don't know his Chard, you don't know Jim.