Gamay
2023 Tualatin Estate Vineyard Gamay Noir
The Terroir:
Tualatin Estate is situated in the far northwestern corner of the Willamette Valley, with the coast range mountains to the immediate west creating a strong diurnal shift from warm days to cool nights, preserving mouthwatering acidity. The low water permeability of the Laurelwood soil provides balanced stress to the vines, reducing vine vigor and crop yield. This produces concentrated red fruit, floral aromatics, and ripe skin and stem maturity, giving fine structure and rich color. The Willamette Valley is truly a home-away-from-home for Gamay, which is beautifully matched to our cool climate.
Reviews:
93 - Jeb Dunnuck :"The 2023 Gamay Noir Tualatin Estate Vineyard is highly expressive and pours a jeweled ruby/magenta color. A wine that Evan wants to be drinkable at all times, it’s hitting that mark right now, with a fruity aromatic profile in its notes of mixed berries, wildflowers, white pepper, and dusty earth. Ripe and effusive in the glass, it’s medium-bodied, with fine, chalky tannins, and while it’s lovely and refined, it’s still playful. It will drink well over the next 6-8 years.”
90 - Vinous: "Wildly fresh and lifted yet not in your face, the 2023 Gamay Noir Tualatin Estate Vineyard entices with a gorgeous blend of rose petals, lavender and crushed blackberries. It swirls across the palate with ripe wild berry fruits under an air of violet inner florals, all guided by zesty acidity. Gently spicy, this finishes with medium length leaving a chalky minerality that creates a tactile grip."
Our Tasting Notes:
Expressive aromas of wild berries, florals, dusty earth—sweet/tart crunchy red fruits—resonant, chalky, mineral finish.
Paired Album
Any time is a good time to give this album a spin and crank up the volume and bass on the EQ. But there is never a better time than in concert with a bottle of the 2023 Martin Woods Gamay Noir. The similarities in soul, energy, flow, and flavor are quickly recognized and enjoyed together. Jurassic 5 - Quality Control, 2000