2021 Tan Fruit - Chardonnay Umpqua Valley Sophie's Vineyard

Tan Fruit is the experimental side project of Jim Maresh, proprietor of Arterberry Maresh, one of the most acclaimed producers of Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley. Maresh founded Tan Fruit in 2019 as an outlet for purchased fruit that doesn't fit the estate driven Arterberry Maresh program, giving him room to play without the rules that govern his family winery. His minimalist approach carries over, favoring early picked, dry farmed fruit, a mix of steel and oak aging, and bone dry fermentation guided by a philosophy of getting out of the wine's way.

Sophie's Vineyard sits in an isolated pocket of the Umpqua Valley near the town of Yoncalla, planted in the late 1970s with Draper and Wente selections of Chardonnay. The old vines and unique inland site set this bottling apart from Maresh's more typical Willamette Valley sourcing, giving him a chance to explore a different expression of Oregon terroir. The wine was matured in oak before finishing with four months in stainless steel, a combination meant to build texture while keeping the fruit's natural brightness intact.

The glass offers fresh scents of green pear, quince, and citrus blossom, layered with almond, flint, and a touch of honey. The palate is light bodied yet creamy and plush, with gently nutty fruit carrying through to a long, refreshing finish. Its bright acidity and textural richness make it a good match for grilled halibut, roast chicken, or a simple gruyere tart.