$34.99 6+ bottles (code: 6saves2)

90 pts Vinous Media
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. - By Eric Guido on May 2024

The long, long drive to Martin Woods is well worth the time. Within this cellar, Evan Woods works like a mad scientist (I mean that in the best possible way), experimenting and tinkering with his small yet truly noteworthy portfolio. Moreover, the range of wines remains fairly priced for the quality and unique personality he packs into each bottle. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Riesling and Gamay are all worth exploring. Woods keeps the inclusion of new oak incredibly low, typically around 8%; he’s fascinated by the use of Oregon oak in the refinement process. Woods is also a fan of aging the wines on the lees throughout their entire time in barrel. The Martin Woods wines are pure, complex, lively and seemingly deep beyond their years. If you choose to open them young, I recommend a long decant.

2021 - Our Tasting Note: Med+ ruby core, vibrant ruby edges. The nose has a nice density, but remains elegant with red berry and plum fruits, spice, mineral, with a nice touch of tar and violet florals. The medium body has medium, slightly chewy tannin, in a good way as it adds nice texture. The flavor intensity is med+ with a med+ serious finish of fruit, spice, floral and mineral layered in harmony! 35% whole cluster!

Winemaking 35% whole clusters sandwiched in small open top 1.5 ton fermenters. 3 weeks on skins. Spontaneous fermentation, no yeast introduced. Once daily punchdowns started on day 12. Peak temps, 78-83F. Aged for 9 months (6 months without sulfur) on lees in old neutral cooperage. Bottled without fining on July 28, 2022. Diam 10 corks. 13.0% Alc.

AVA: Tualatin Hills (NW Willamette Valley) elevation: 300-400 feet
aspect: south-facing slope
soil: Laurelwood—compacted windborne alluvial dust (loess)
vine age: Planted 2003
clonal selection: 284 from Beaujolais
farming: Dry-Farmed, no chemical pesticides / herbicides harvest: Oct. 8, 2021
elevage: 9 months (6 months without sulfur), sur lie, old neutral cooperage