Martin Woods Gamay Noir

Tualatin Estate 2021

Martin Woods Winery’s Gamay Noir is a standout expression of this varietal from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, showcasing the region’s cool climate and sustainable viticulture. The 2021 vintage, sourced from the Tualatin Estate Vineyard in the Tualatin Hills, exemplifies the winery’s commitment to quality and terroir-driven wines.

🏞️ Terroir & Winemaking

Situated in the far northwestern corner of the Willamette Valley, the Tualatin Estate benefits from the cooling influence of the Coast Range mountains, leading to a significant diurnal temperature shift. This climate preserves the wine’s natural acidity, essential for balance and freshness. The vineyard’s Laurelwood soils, known for their low water permeability, stress the vines, resulting in reduced vigor and crop yield. This stress contributes to concentrated red fruit flavors, floral aromatics, and ripe skin and stem maturity, providing the wine with fine structure and rich color .

🍷 Tasting Notes

The 2021 Gamay Noir presents a vibrant ruby/magenta hue. On the nose, it offers expressive aromas of wild berries, florals, dusty earth, and sweet/tart crunchy red fruits. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, chalky tannins, delivering a playful yet refined profile. The finish is resonant with a mineral edge, leaving a lasting impression of freshness and depth .

🏅 Reviews & Recognition

• Jeb Dunnuck awarded vintage 93 points, highlighting its expressiveness and drinkability, with a recommended drinking window of 6–8 years.
• Vinous rated it 90 points, noting its wild freshness, lifted aromatics, and zesty acidity, concluding with a chalky minerality that adds tactile grip.

🍽️ Food Pairing Suggestions

This Gamay Noir’s vibrant acidity and fruit-forward profile make it a versatile companion to various dishes. It pairs excellently with roasted poultry, grilled salmon, charcuterie, and even mushroom-based vegetarian dishes .

🛒 Availability

The Martin Woods Tualatin Estate Gamay Noir is available for purchase at select retailers, including Vivino, where it has garnered favorable reviews. Prices typically range around $38. Given its acclaim and limited production, it’s advisable to acquire a bottle soon to experience this exceptional wine.

If you’re interested in exploring other vintages or expressions from Martin Woods Winery, feel free to ask for more information.