Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Pinot Noir 2018

Third generation Dundee Hills grape grower Jim Maresh launched his own brand in 2007. Jim’s grandparents, Jim and Loie, first planted Maresh Vineyard in 1970 when Eyrie was the only other vineyard in the Dundee Hills. Jim senior still works the vine rows on his tractor at 84 years of age. Jim senior’s daughter, Martha Maresh, married Fred Arterberry, one of the first post-prohibition winemakers in Oregon who sadly passed away too young in 1990. Jim junior is their son. The Arterberry Maresh label recalls the font and label design Arterberry Winery used in the 1980s. Those who have driven up Worden Hill Road in Dundee will remember seeing the Maresh Red Barn on the left. The iconic vineyard surrounding it with 40-year old vines has always been farmed organic. If Oregon vineyards were classified like Burgundy Maresh would certainly be a Grand Cru. The philosophy at Arterberry Maresh adheres to old vine Dundee Hills fruit, alcohols under 14% (preferably mid 12 to lower 13%), new oak kept under 15% on Pinot, no pumping, no fining, no filtering, no acidulating, no watering. The goal is purity of fruit and naturality expressing terroir with elegance and ageworthiness.