Martin Woods - Chardonnay Koosah Vineyard 2022

Martin Woods is hidden in the oak-forested foothills of Oregon's Coast Range, within the cool-climate McMinnville AVA, Willamette Valley. Martin Woods is both the home and winery for winemaker/vigneron Evan Martin, who has been driven by a passion since 2009 for discovering the most compelling terroir in Oregon. Elegant Pinot noir and Chardonnay are the focus of the portfolio. Evan’s small team farms according to sustainable, wholistic principles and the growers he partner's with are of the same mindset. The winemaking methods are delicate and natural, but of greatest importance is that a Martin Woods wine promotes the classic qualities of purity, balance, complexity and fine structure that can only result from great terroir combined with wholehearted dedication to art and craft. Above all, it is the hope that the wines evoke a consistent and inspiring sense-of-place, an authentic Oregon voice. 

Koosah, which in the Coast Salish dialect means "beautiful ceiling of the sky", sits at the very top elevation (1,100 feet) along the upper slope of a dramatic drainage that runs all the way down to the valley floor (200 feet). The cool, east-southeast aspect combined with the slope's prominent wind exposure, leads to especially extended hang times and patient development of complex flavors. Koosah is without question one of the most thoughtfully-planted vineyards in the Willamette's history, but also one of the riskiest. Fall rains will almost always threaten the harvest. Yet these calculated risks are already paying dividends: bright acidity, perfectly ripe fruit, lifted aromatics and a kiss of salinity. Furthermore, the shallow topsoil and rocky volcanic subsoil provide balanced stress to the vines, resulting in open canopies, restrained yields, and berries that develop thicker skins, leading to wines of remarkable texture and tension. In summary, Koosah is at the forefront of the discussion about what Willamette Valley Chardonnay can and should be.

Whole cluster pressed (oxidative juice handling, no sulfur), overnight settling. Primary fermentation in tank, then stirred and moved (with lees) to barrel. Aged 12 months in 228L & 400L French & Oregon cooperage (5% new), then additional 6 months in tank (on lees for 18 months total). Bottled without fining on May 7, 2024. 

Lemon oil, green & gold apple, moss, white flower & minerals—remarkable texture and tension between fruit, minerality & acidity—medium weight, while possessing weightlessness—finish lingers with persistent freshness & a note of salinity—our 'Puligny'—this is oregon 'grand cru' chardonnay to enjoy now or cellar 15+ years.

"The 2022 Chardonnay Koosah Vineyard is a bright yellow/silver color and is a touch more shy at this stage, with notes of smoky earth, white peach, lemon oil, and a white floral tone. Medium to full-bodied, it has lovely richness without weight and has exceptionally focused length. Drink 2025-2037." - 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

"The Koosah is a bolder Chardonnay choice in the Martin Woods portfolio. The floral quality of its aromas balances the somewhat rich mouthfeel of its medium—to full-body palate. With that said, it maintains a vibrant energy and nice overall structure - balanced acidity - featuring notes of stone fruits, crispy apples, lemon peel, and herbs. There is a phenolic structure and a rich texture. This wine nails both. Winemaker Evan Martin is a huge fan of the Koosah site, ‘I think it is the greatest Chardonnay vineyard in the Willamette Valley." - 95 Points, Decanter

Producer: Martin Woods

Country: United States

Region: Oregon

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Eola - Amity Hills

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml