2010 Maresh Vineyard Pinot Noir

2010 was Jim Maresh's last vintage making wine at Torii Mor before he moved into his own winery. It was also “one of my favorite vintages across planet Earth,” he exclaims. "Germany, Bordeaux, Piedmont, Burgundy—everywhere on earth made amazing wine, and Oregon was no different.” Spring was cool and lower-than-normal temperatures during the growing season resulted in an October harvest (plus damage from flocks of migrating birds). “It’s what we’re shooting for every vintage now,” he continues. "The ripeness level is right in the groove." Medium garnet in color, the 2010 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard has an elusive, inscrutable character that calls you back to the glass again and again. It has pure, complex scents of pomegranate liqueur, prosciutto, amaro and dried rose petals; over time, wafts of botanicals, violet and seaweed arise. The light-bodied palate is delicately styled with understated, layered flavors. It has a finely chalky frame, fireworks of fresh acidity and a long, nuanced finish. It blossoms dramatically with air and hasn’t yet reached its peak.