Martin Woods Jessie James Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Martin Woods Jessie James Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022 showcases lifted aromatics of red and black cherries layered with forest floor and spice-forward oak. The wine displays a supple, broad palate with fine-grained tannins balanced by vibrant acidity and mineral notes that drive tension through the fruit. This Grand Cru expression possesses the structure and complexity to evolve beautifully over many years in the cellar, finishing with a long, resonant persistence that speaks to the vineyard's terroir.

Decanter: 97
The Jessie James site is at over 200m in the Eola-Amity Hills. An eastern slope that's exposed to the cool winds of the Van Duzer Corridor. The vineyards were planted in 1996 and are organically farmed. Winemaker Evan Martin calls out the floral elements of the Jessie James as the vineyard's hallmark. A blend of Pommard, Wadenswïl, and a little bit of Dĳon clone. Aromatics of violets and cherry flesh dried lavender and smoky rose petals. The aromas evolve from dried flowers to earthy and woodsy notes. Even though Martin usually uses only about 10% whole cluster in this wine, this 2022 Pinot Noir feels like it’s got more of that whole cluster's powerful freshness and vibrancy character. This is one of the lightest Pinots in the portfolio, with a chalky texture and minerality. It's giving a ton of energy. The palate shows refinement and freshness, with mouthfuls of spiced blood orange, smoky clove, and a white peppered spice to the finish.

Decanter: 97

The Jessie James site is at over 200m in the Eola-Amity Hills. An eastern slope that's exposed to the cool winds of the Van Duzer Corridor. The vineyards were planted in 1996 and are organically farmed. Winemaker Evan Martin calls out the floral elements of the Jessie James as the vineyard's hallmark. A blend of Pommard, Wadenswïl, and a little bit of Dĳon clone. Aromatics of violets and cherry flesh dried lavender and smoky rose petals. The aromas evolve from dried flowers to earthy and woodsy notes. Even though Martin usually uses only about 10% whole cluster in this wine, this 2022 Pinot Noir feels like it’s got more of that whole cluster's powerful freshness and vibrancy character. This is one of the lightest Pinots in the portfolio, with a chalky texture and minerality. It's giving a ton of energy. The palate shows refinement and freshness, with mouthfuls of spiced blood orange, smoky clove, and a white peppered spice to the finish.

Vinous: 94
The 2022 Pinot Noir Jesse James Vineyard lifts from the glass with a mentholated freshness that accentuates blue/purple florals and hints of blackberry. This is pure class, silken and serene, with tart wild berries energized by brisk acidity and a saturation of crunchy minerals that builds toward the close. It leaves a flowery concentration and a staining of tart primary fruit over a bed of well-formed tannins, promising many years of positive evolution.

Vinous: 94

The 2022 Pinot Noir Jesse James Vineyard lifts from the glass with a mentholated freshness that accentuates blue/purple florals and hints of blackberry. This is pure class, silken and serene, with tart wild berries energized by brisk acidity and a saturation of crunchy minerals that builds toward the close. It leaves a flowery concentration and a staining of tart primary fruit over a bed of well-formed tannins, promising many years of positive evolution.

Jeb Dunnuck: 98
Rich ruby-colored but transparent, the 2022 Pinot Noir Jessie James Vineyard is beautiful in the glass, with a floral and ripe perfume offering notes of framboise, light herbal notes, wild fresh herbs, and a touch of dark black fruit coming through, with black raspberries and dark stones. On the palate, it has a rich tannin structure, a ton of clarity (as all of Evan’s wines tend to express), and a long finish. It’s going to benefit from more time. Drink 2026-2046.

Jeb Dunnuck: 98

Rich ruby-colored but transparent, the 2022 Pinot Noir Jessie James Vineyard is beautiful in the glass, with a floral and ripe perfume offering notes of framboise, light herbal notes, wild fresh herbs, and a touch of dark black fruit coming through, with black raspberries and dark stones. On the palate, it has a rich tannin structure, a ton of clarity (as all of Evan’s wines tend to express), and a long finish. It’s going to benefit from more time. Drink 2026-2046.