Maysara, Autees Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2024

Description

Maysara, Autees Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2024

This vibrant white wine is a single-varietal expression composed of 100% Pinot Blanc, sourced exclusively from the celebrated Momtazi Vineyard in the McMinnville AVA of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Named "Autees" after the ancient Persian goddess who protects all plants and life on Earth, this bottling represents a specific selection of fruit designed to showcase the purity and aromatic intensity of the estate's biodynamically farmed vines.

The 2024 vintage in the Willamette Valley is being hailed as a "winemaker's dream," characterized by a cool start and a mild finish that allowed for extended hang time. While mid-summer heat spikes ensured full phenolic ripeness, the overall cooler growing season preserved the grape's natural acidity, resulting in a wine of exceptional balance. The Momtazi Vineyard, with its uplifted marine sedimentary soils and volcanic basalt base, sits at elevations ranging from 120 to 780 feet. This unique terroir, combined with the cooling influence of the Van Duzer Corridor, imparts a distinct mineral backbone and structural integrity to the wine.

In the glass, the wine presents a brilliant, pale straw hue with excellent clarity and a viscosity that hints at its textural depth. The nose is an explosion of tropical and floral aromatics, led by heady notes of fresh guava, juicy honeydew melon, and pineapple juice. As the wine opens, delicate layers of fragrant jasmine, key lime, and a touch of quince emerge, creating a bouquet that is both exotic and refined.

On the palate, this Pinot Blanc is medium-bodied and falls into the off-dry category, where a touch of residual sugar (approximately 10g/L) is expertly counterbalanced by mouthwatering acidity. The flavor profile delivers a lush wave of tangerine, ripe peach, and apricot, supported by a signature waxy texture reminiscent of fresh honeycomb. The finish is long and clean, with a lingering sensation of crushed wet stone and lemon pith that refreshes the palate.

Maysara is a pioneer in holistic farming, and this wine is a testament to their rigorous Demeter Certified Biodynamic practices. The Momtazi family employs a "from nature to nature" philosophy, utilizing compost teas made from medicinal herbs grown on the estate instead of synthetic chemicals. For the Autees bottling, the winemaking is focused on preserving freshness; the grapes are fermented with native yeasts and aged 100% in stainless steel tanks. This approach avoids oak influence, allowing the true character of the fruit and the earth to shine through without adulteration.

The wine's interplay of fruit sweetness and zesty acidity makes it a versatile companion for the table. It pairs beautifully with spicy Asian-fusion dishes, such as a Thai green curry with shrimp, where the wine's tropical notes and slight sweetness tame the heat. Alternatively, try it with seared scallops served with a lemon-caper butter sauce to highlight the wine's citrus drive and waxy texture. For a cheese course, a firm, aged sheep's milk cheese or a creamy Burrata with grilled peaches would be an excellent match.

While the 2024 vintage is a fresh release, the Autees Pinot Blanc has a history of critical acclaim, with the 2022 vintage scoring 94 points from Paul Gregutt and the 2023 receiving 91 points from Jeb Dunnuck. Given its pedigree and the stellar conditions of the 2024 growing season, this vintage offers incredible value and quality, standing as one of the premier examples of Pinot Blanc in the New World.