Arterberry Maresh Dundee Hills Pinot noir 06
Avalon's Wine Pick of the Week for 5-13-08
Week: 5-13-08
"Catch of the Day"
Arterberry Maresh
Dundee Hills Pinot noir 06
There are two things I can't stop talking about this week: the gigantic sturgeon that I caught while fishing this weekend and the amazing value that is the Arterberry Maresh Pinot noir Dundee 06 $34.95/$31.46. Silky, layered and complex, it is a 2006 Pinot that drinks and behaves like a 2005.
At our tasting, with Arterberry Maresh's winemaker Jim Arterberry Maresh, (photo at right) I couldn't stop going back to the wine over the course of the afternoon and re-tasting. I thought my tastebuds were tricking me. Really a Pinot this good, from such an amazing vineyard, for only $35? Seriously? This wine had me hook, line, and sinker.
The 2006 Dundee Hills by Arteberry Maresh is supple and full of juicy dark plums and red berries, with subtle notes of clay and anise on the finish. The grapes were picked earlier in the season than most 2006 Oregon Pinots, so the wine retains a pleasant acidity that is refreshing and elevates the fruit components found on the midpalate. All that to say, it is really, really, really yummy and a steal at this price.
The wine is ready to drink now, but would also cellar gracefully. Pair it with hazenut and panko crusted tuna and herbed baby red potatoes for an elegant and easy meal or just drink it by the glass and enjoy its layered complexity and silky mouthfeel.
Read more about Jim Arterberry Maresh and his new releases.
Happy drinking and good eating,
Amy
At left, Amy and her "Catch of the Day"
