Martin Woods Gamay Noir 2019

“like walking through damp woods in Spring”

Jackson’s Notes: 

Martin Woods is named for its winemaker/proprietor, Evan Martin. I was blown away by the quality of Evan's wine, and his singular vision. Evan also liked our wine club, and is currently a Circle member. We could tell right away from meeting each other that we valued the same things in wine: transparency, minimal intervention, and terroir expression.

This thread of expression and purity runs through all of Evan's wines. They go beyond being correct to their variety, and speak to a deeper truth about Oregon wine. They taste like walking through damp woods in Spring, and like the deep volcanic and limestone earth they're grown in. It's easy to make Pinot Noir that tastes like Pinot Noir in Oregon, but to go a step beyond and make wine that evokes place and soil is more difficult. When you don't cave to the easy tricks of mass-market winemaking like color additives, acidification, and excessive ripeness, your wine is without makeup. But the inner beauty of wine made without chemicals can shine brighter and fuller.

The fact that winemakers like Evan are deciding to start wineries and pursue their vision despite pandemics, economic downturns, and the difficulties of managing an agricultural business is a hugely encouraging thing to me. For example, basically no red will be made in Willamette Valley in 2020 due to wildfire smoke damage. Imagine, in any other business, losing your entire revenue source for an entire year. Not an easy proposition, but one that shows the mettle of the maker who forges ahead. The message emanating from Evan and his wines is that vision and passion are a truer reflection of purpose than the potential wealth gained. For any of us choosing to remain in small businesses, especially the slim-margin wine business, it's a conscious choice. But a meaningful one. I just spoke with a friend who had to close up shop on their dream business. A tough decision to make, but sometimes practicality wins in the face of a steep uphill battle. We salute both those who continue on the uphill climb, and those who need to make a course change.

I think the Willamette Valley is an excellent place to make Gamay, and that this one is a choice example–showing that bright, juicy (say crunchy I dare you) red fruit, and floral aromatics that make Gamay such a scrumptious drink. This will be a Thanksgiving + holiday dinner winner, I assure you.

Evan is an old soul who thinks deeply about choices in the vineyard and winery, and is making some truly compelling wines.

Winemaker Evan Martin’s Tasting Notes: crunchy cranberry & black cherry—mineral/spice/pepper/floral/herbal accents—palate is fresh, focused, tense with a lithe balance and framed by gentle tannin structure—a youthful and versatile wine offering much pleasure