While Burgundy may be Chardonnay’s historic home, Oregon’s Dundee Hills are crafting whites that rival their French counterparts. Arterberry Maresh’s 2018 Chardonnay offers a masterclass in balance, purity, and sense of place.
This wine’s exceptional character begins with its roots – vines planted in 1983 in the iron-rich Jory soils that define the Dundee Hills. Jim Maresh Jr. follows a minimalist approach, fermenting and aging in neutral oak barrels that allow the vineyard’s voice to dominate. The winery’s commitment to dry farming forces vines to dig deep, developing concentrated flavors impossible to achieve otherwise.
In the glass, this Chardonnay displays a luminous pale gold color. The nose offers fresh lemon, white peach, and green apple, underlaid with notes of vanilla, roasted almond, and wet stone minerality. The palate shows remarkable precision—vibrant acidity provides structure while allowing the fruit to express itself fully. The silky texture and focused mineral finish linger impressively, showcasing how bottle age has developed complexity while maintaining freshness.
This versatile wine pairs beautifully with seafood, particularly grilled halibut with lemon beurre blanc, or with creamy risottos. For a truly memorable experience, serve slightly cool in a Burgundy stem to allow its aromatic complexity to unfold gradually.
Arterberry Maresh’s 2018 Chardonnay represents Oregon winemaking at its finest—honoring Old World traditions while expressing a distinctly American sense of place. For collectors seeking alternatives to high-priced Burgundy, this bottle offers compelling evidence that great Chardonnay knows no borders.
More information about Best of Wines: https://bestofwines.com/wine/united-states/oregon/arterberry-maresh/
