Arterberry Maresh

Owner(s) Jim Arterberry
Web site www.arterberrymaresh.com
 
Link to this site
Arterberry Maresh

The Maresh family has had a long and memorable presence in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. I spoke with Martha Maresh and she detailed the family history. Jim and Loie Maresh were Wisconsin natives who met as students at Marquette University. The two bought a 26-acre farm in the Dundee Hills in 1959. They expanded their holdings to 140 acres while Jim worked for Dunn & Bradstreet and served as a reserve officer in the Navy in Portland. Originally theirs was the only home on their hill and they enjoyed the life of farming cherries, nuts and prunes. In 1969, David Lett had the only vineyard in Yamhill County. At the time, Dick Erath suggested to the Maresh family that they had a superior site for growing grapes. In 1970, they followed his suggestion and planted three acres of vines. This was the first vineyard on Worden Hill Road and Oregon's fifth oldest vineyard.

Jim and Loie had five children. One daughter, Martha, married Fred Arterberry who was one of the first Oregon winemakers to have a degree from University of California Davis. Arterberry was well known in wine circles in Oregon and produced many award-winning wines. Martha and Jim had a son, Jim Arterberry Maresh. When the eldest Jim died, Martha remarried but kept the last name Maresh.

The Maresh estate now consists of 124 acres of several varieties including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. About half the grapes (600 cases) are vinified as Red Barn Pinot Noir. This wine has been made by several winemakers through the years (the Maresh’s traded grapes for wine) and sold only through the Red Barn tasting room. The remainder of the grapes Pinot Noir have been sold to Daedelus Cellars, et Fille, Scott Paul, and Sineann. Rex Hill produced a Maresh Vineyard Pinot Noir for many years until the winery was sold a few years back.

Jim Arterberry Maresh is only twenty-seven years old (in 2011), but is already becoming touted as the “Best Young Oregon Winemaker” in an article at www.avalonwine.com. His father’s label, Arterberry Cellars, disappeared when Fred died. Jim began “messing around” making wine in 2001, and in 2007 he revived the label as Arterberry Maresh, releasing his inaugural wines from the 2005 vintage. He may qualify as the first to represent a third generation in Oregon's wine industry.

Jim Arterberry Maresh made his wines at Torri Mor initially, but now has his own winery in the Dundee hills on the Maresh property.

James draws from his grandfather's vines at Maresh Vineyard as well as many other highly regarded vineyards in the region such as Juliard, Winderlea and Weber. His 2006 Pinot Noirs are quite impressive and three of them are reviewed in the PinotFile. The aromatics and elegant style are especially notable. Subsequent vintages have been solid but not extraordinary. All wines are hand-crafted and spend 18 months in barrel. New oak is kept to a minimum.

The signature wine is from own-rooted old Pommard and Wädenswil vines at Maresh Vineyard.

Arterberry Maresh wines are sold through limited retail distribution within Oregon. Avalon Wine Co. is a source (http://avalonwine.com/Arterberry-Maresh-Cellars-2006-Wines.html). 503-434-7689. You can reach Jim Maresh through the website at www.arterberrymaresh.com.

Reviewed Wines

2019 Arterberry Maresh Dundee Hills “Old Vines” Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $49.The first Old Vines bottling without any Weber Vineyard in the blend. 100% Maresh Block 1 planted in 1970 in front of the Red Barn tasting room. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Gorgeous aromas of deep, dark cherry and sous bois. A little richer than the 2018 version of this wine with plenty of dark cherry, blueberry and raspberry flavors framed by supporting tannins. The long, succulent finish is captivating. This wine has everything the 2018 version has but more of it. Score: 94. Reviewed May 26, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $69. Own-rooted Pommard and Wädenswil clones planted in 1974. Aged 23 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Complex nose that is giving upon opening with aromas of cherry, tilled earth, dried red rose petal, woodsy perfume and a hint of oak. Light to mid-weight in style with a bright red cherry and red berry core accented with a subtle oak thread. Exceptional balance with a lengthy, red cherry driven finish. This beauty is the epitome of old vine gracefulness. Still grand when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 95. Reviewed May 26, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 Arterberry Maresh Weber Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $69. Only .48 tons per acre from old vines in this vintage. · Moderate garnet color in the glass.This wine exhibits significant oak overlay even from an opened bottled tasted 36 hours later. There is a core of deeply flavorful cherry and blackberry fruit but it is overwhelmed by aggressive barrel treatment. There is significant tannin that is probably barrel in origin and is reflected in the astringent finish. Score: 88. Reviewed May 29, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 Arterberry Maresh Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $26 (Vinopolis, Portland, OR). Produced and bottled by Arterberry Maresh, Dundee, OR. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. An array of aromas present upon opening including red cherry, dried herbs, seasoned oak and nori. Lighter weighted and elegantly composed, with the essence of red cherry and cranberry fruit flavors backed by gentle tannins. A good grip of acidity powers the well-spiced, red fruit finish. This wine’s shallow mid-palate is made up by the surge of fruit on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed November 12, 2020 ARTICLE »

2018 Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $44. Own-rooted Wädenswil clone planted in 1970 (Block 1). · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Persistent aromas of red cherry, red rose, pine and baking spices. Light to mid-weight in heft with a core of fresh, juicy cherry essence annotated with hints of dried herbs and plum sauce. There is a thread of smoky oak. Impressive harmony, with slippery tannins and a finish that lasts and lasts. Still very enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle when the seductive aromas just would not quit. Score: 93. Reviewed May 26, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $69. Own-rooted Pommard and Wädenswil clones planted in 1974. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers a mysterious bent with aromas of turmeric, dark chocolate, old barrel cellar and black cherry reduction. Instantly gratifying after opening, flooding the mouth with black cherry goodness and caressing the palate in a light to-mid-weight style. Plush and polished on the palate with soft tannins and a very long finish that seems to last an eternity. Score: 94. Reviewed May 26, 2022 ARTICLE »

2017 Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., $44. Own-rooted Wädenswil clone planted in 1970 (Block 1). Aged 20 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of red cherry, red rose petal, and spice soar in the glass over time. Lighter weight, even slightly shallow flavors of red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and baking spice are driven by juicy acidity. Gossamer tannins make for easy drinking. The finish is not exceptionally long but pleasing. Score: 91. Reviewed May 26, 2022 ARTICLE »

2016 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Old Vines Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., $42. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Boastful aromas of red cherry, strawberry, underbrush, herbal oak and a hint of iron. Dark red fruited in a mid weight style with an underlying earthiness. The fruit is ideally ripened with a superb richness on the middle palate. What really stands out in this wine is the finish that is satiny smooth and uncommonly persistent. This special wine is more giving when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating age worthiness. Score: 94. Reviewed November 2, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., $69. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherry, strawberry, rose petal and underbrush. The wine’s brightness and purity of red berry and red cherry fruit is very appealing. The fruit is beautifully supported by righteous tannins and crisp acidity, making for seamless drinking. A delightful grip of cherry on the finish reminds of the Dundee Hills origin of this exceptional wine. Even more enchanting when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 95. Reviewed November 2, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., $59. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Leading off are aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal and sawdust. Ripely fruited as befits this warm vintage, this mid weight plus styled wine has layers of black cherry and blackberry fruits. Big and ripe by Oregon standards, but still quite satisfying with a silky mouthfeel, mild tannins and an agreeable finish. Score: 92. Reviewed November 2, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $59. Non-irrigated old vines. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light cherry red color in the glass. The nose is primary, with only delicate aromas of black cherry and complimentary oak toast and spice. Light to mid weight flavors of dark red cherry are offered in a very gentle wine with good mid palate intensity and some finishing generosity. This wine won’t open your eyes, but has good character and balance. Much better presentation when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The wine could take on more power and nuance with additional time in bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed December 13, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $55. From third generation Dundee Hills winemaker Jim Maresh. Vinified in a small winery at the top of Maresh Vineyard. Non-irrigated vines. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose never really arrives even after extensive swirling over 2 hours. Shy scents of underbrush and seasoned oak. Moderately rich black cherry and black raspberry flavors with plenty of oak underpinning. Still sporting young fine-grain tannins and the fruit tastes a tad under ripe. There is vibrant acidity and some finishing intensity. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was about the same. I would give this wine at least another year in bottle to emerge. Score: 89. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.6% alc., $58. Non-irrigated vines. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Marked reduction upon opening which resolves by the following day from an opened bottle. Light and elegant presentation of red cherries, raspberries and cranberries with a dried herb note in the background. Hi-strung with delicate tannins finishing with a tart cherry theme. The fruit seems under ripe. This wine has received considerable favorable press, but honestly, I don’t get it. Good. Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $75. Unfined and unfiltered. · Reluctant nose initially offering some berry fruit, oak and a green pea note. Substantial classy core of berry and red plum fruit with a slight green edge. Silky in the mouth with harmonious acid and tannin interplay. Doesn’t excite upon opening but becomes more giving the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, offering more fruit aromatically and more intense pure fruit flavors. Like so many 2008 Pinot Noirs from Oregon, this wine needs time to come together and may eventually titillate. Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Arterberry Maresh Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $34.95. · Moderately light reddish-in color. The nose is all hay and grass with restrained red fruits. A light and elegant wine featuring demure cranberry and strawberry fruit with a grapefruit peel finish. Rather dilute, but plenty of acidity for refreshing drinking. Close to a rosé and I would drink this wine chilled like a rosé. Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $74.95. · A little more color than the appellation bottling. Very heady and penetrating aromas of dark red cherries. Sumptuous red berry and cherry fruits with a sidecar of herbs and a slight green note. Plush, yet elegant with adequate tannins and acidity to support the fruit. Still somewhat reserved and will benefit from another year in bottle. Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Arterberry Maresh Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 125 cases, $35. This wine is made from declassified old vine fruit from non irrigated vines in the Maresh Vineyard. · Displaying a lighter crimson color than the other two Arterberry wines, the nose is classic Chambolle with hitoned red cherry, baking spice and oak. Redder fruits including strawberry are nicely weighted and balanced with bright acidity and subtle oak tannins. The flavors and aromas dissipate with time and air. A comforting Pinot that the Pinot Geek likes to drink now. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 75 cases, $75. From non irrigated old vines. · Intense deep, dark reddish-purple color. Alluring and complex aromatics brimming with ripe grapes, plums, fresh bread and herbs. Darker Pinot fruits carry the theme on the palate with overtones of savory herbs, forest floor and oak. A commendable effort that has a subtle richness and refined mouthfeel. This wine has impressive breeding and it shows it. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Arterberry Maresh White Rose Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 50 cases, $75. · Aged in neutral oak but still showing some aromas of new sawn oak along with bright cherries and berries. Discreetly concentrated black cherry and blackberry flavors envelope the tongue with a silky creaminess. Commendable balance of perfectly ripe fruit, lively acidity and fine-grained tannins. I was wanting for a little more lingering finish. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

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