Tan Fruit Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard 2019 (750ML)

97 WA / 95 FS / 93 WS

The 2019 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard comes from Dijon clones planted in 1991, and it was matured in about 35% new oak. This vintage is pure and tensile, with scents of tarragon and fragrant herbs, beeswax and almonds, with plush white peach fruit. The palate combines intense ripe fruit with a spine of tangy, tense acidity, and it finishes with tremendous length. Allow it another 3-5 years in bottle.

Tan Fruit is a brand-new project from Jim Maresh, proprietor of his family winery, Arterberry Maresh, and the winemaker behind some of the most exciting Chardonnays in the Willamette Valley today. Much of the fruit for the Arterberry Maresh wines are sourced from older estate vines, and very few cases are made each year. In 2019, Maresh founded Tan Fruit, for which he will purchase fruit. "I hear about fruit for sale that I'd love to play with," he explains. "It doesn't work for Arterberry, but for Tan Fruit, there are no rules." He made six cuvées this initial vintage, and unsurprisingly, they are some of the best Chardonnays of 2019. The first set of Tan Fruit wines will be released sometime in 2022, and I hope to be first to sign up for this mailing list. - Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate

Bright yellow-green, gold reflections. Fully ripe vineyard peach underlaid with delicate meadow herbs, a touch of vanilla and blossom honey. Fine texture supported by a tight acid structure, mineral core, white apple, rich in finesse and with very good length, lemony-salty aftertaste. A delicate accompaniment to meals.-Peter Moser, Falstaff

Sleek and light-footed, with vibrant pear and Meyer lemon flavors accented by spice and briny saline. Finishes on a clean, brisk note. Drink now.-Tim Fish, Wine Spectator