Tag Archives: Pinot Noir

Arterberry Maresh Stars

With Two 96 Point Scores

In the New Issue of the Wine Advocate

We’ve long supported and loved the wines that Jim Arterberry makes under the Arterberry-Maresh (pronounced “marsh”) label, so it was no surprise to see him get a lot of critical praise in the new issue of the Wine Advocate. These are some incredible wines, made in a understated style from exceptional, often extremely old, vineyards. In the words of WA reviewer Erin Brooks:

“The 2016 Pinot Noirs from Arterberry Maresh offer amazing layers of sweet, precise fruits, exotic spices and earth—everything you want from great Pinot Noir. They’re concentrated and jam-packed with flavor while still maintaining excellent grainy tannic structure and very juicy acidity, not to mention they age beautifully.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 10-20-16

Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $19 special

As you might remember, last year was hot, the hottest on record for the state of Oregon. The mere thought of it induces thirst. But the heat of 2015 also gave the potential to produce some delicious entry-level Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, and Ayres Winery took advantage. Rather than over-ripe or cooked, this wine, made from Ribbon Ridge and Yamhill-Carlton grapes, offers a fresh Pinot fruit profile and a pleasant tartness. Savory notes mingle with a hint of salinity, and a well-judged sense of balance (only 13.6% alcohol) carries the wine through to a succulent finish. Even after being open overnight, the wine stays consistent like last year’s 90-degree temps.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Goodfellow Family Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 & 2014 7-13-16

Goodfellow Family Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $18

Goodfellow Family Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18

Every living room, backyard or balcony, every kitchen, game room and cellar needs balanced, correct, easy-drinking wines to help bring them alive. So, here’s one. Two, actually: Goodfellow Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, from 2013 or 2014. Marcus Goodfellow has been making wine under his Matello brand (which we also carry) since 2002, and has now stepped things up, including a new winery in McMinnville. Family-owned, the Goodfellow name deserves its own label. The vines average 24 years of age and are not irrigated. The wine spends 15 months in French oak. Choose the 2013 if you seek a lighter, more acidic and approachable style of Pinot, or open the 2014 if you prefer riper fruit, more structure, and something to match food like BBQ.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Goodfellow Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 6-12-16

Goodfellow Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

Wine with great pedigree – Marcus Goodfellow has proven, across almost fifteen years, his talent in showcasing the terroir of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The ’14 is not overworked or overboard, coming from uplifted sedimentary and volcanic soils – pretty cool! – and the wine spends 15 months in French oak. Juicy red fruit and notes of blackcurrant work towards an enduring finish with this playful, refreshing wine. – Tyler… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Cameron ‘Saignee of Pinot Noir’ 2014 6-11-16

Cameron ‘Saignee of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

This is a pretty wine from every perspective. For starters, it’s another episode in the series of sub-$25 selections from Cameron which have been a hit this year. Then there’s the contrast of the ruby-rose juice and the electric-teal label that has my graphics receptors feeling all fuzzy… We haven’t even opened the bottle yet!

The saignee method entails ‘bleeding off’ the juice after limited contact with the skins – in this instance, of Pinot Noir. In this case, the resultant wine has some nice body to it, with lush cherry elements, rhubarb, strawberry, and a perfect little kiss of white pepper. We can’t get enough of it personally, but are happy to share our staff for rose-lovers and Cameronites nationwide! … Read the rest