2021 Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills (11/30/2024)
With all the accolades (all deserved) that Kelley Fox receives from her Maresh Pinots, I think the home team sometimes gets over looked in the CT’s and WB’s of cyberspace. The 21 Maresh - Maresh vineyard Pinot is deeply impressive. Light in color, this conveys the haunting aromas of fresh berries and very spicy (baking), floral oils around the edges, one of those you could smell all night type of propositions. More reserved on the palate, which is expected in this early juncture, but all is in place for a long and rewarding evolution. Elegant and a long close which really leaves an imprint. Lovely.
Kelley Fox makes as many as four different Maresh Pinots (different blocks and a blend). I’ve never had them side by side, but have a mild preference for the versions from Kelley but generally can’t go wrong with either producer.
On my to do list as I own quite a few Maresh bottlings from each from the same vintage. My hesitation is finding the right time as I’ve found Kelley’s wines drin so well young while Jimmy’s need time. But with bottlings from 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2019 I just need to pull corks and do a comparison.