Explore Oregon Wines: Wineries | Varietals | AVAs | Cellar 503 Selections
Maysara Winery 2020 Arsheen Pinot Gris
Keeping it all in the family
It was a game the three girls played with their dad. “Close your eyes. Smell this. Taste this. Guess what it is…” Moe Momtazi was determined to help his daughters heighten their senses and develop their palates.
It worked.
In 2007, just six years after Moe and his wife Flora founded Maysara Winery, daughter Tahmiene took over as winemaker. Despite a family winemaking tradition that goes back four generations to Persia, it wasn’t a foregone conclusion. In fact, she’d actively rejected the idea and was considering medical school. But an advisor at Linfield College encouraged her to spend a summer around the winery, applying her scientific mindset. And Tahmiene was hooked.
Today, dad runs the vineyard, mom handles the books, sister Naseem is the sales manager, and sister Hannah runs the events. And it all works beautifully.
The three sisters have even collaborated on a wine called Three Degrees — a project to produce an affordable and enjoyable Pinot Noir for their friends.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Maysara Winery, McMinnville, Oregon
2020 Arsheen Pinot Gris
OK, I’m going to hop up on my soapbox – and this won’t be the last time you’ll hear this from me! Yes, this wine is from 2020. And it is fabulous.
Believe it or not, there are wine critics that have decided to write off every single Oregon wine from 2020 due to the forest fires. But here’s the thing: Smoke is a fickle thing. Some vineyards were blanketed in it for days – others didn’t see a wisp. Some wines were ruined, yes, but many are absolutely fabulous.
And the Arsheen Pinot Gris from Maysara will knock your socks off! This is no simple, pleasant-to-drink, summertime Pinot Gris. There are aromas of lemon meringue, honeydew melon, and lavender. On the palate you’ll taste green apple, honeysuckle, and a hint of almond. There is great acidity here and a wonderful crisp, clean finish.
Each wine at Maysara is named for a Persian historical figure. This one is inspired by Arsheen, an Archeamenian princess during the 500 B.C. era. She taught astronomy and was granted the role of winemaker in the palace due to her impeccable palate and knowledge — appropriate for this family of strong women winemakers!
A Cellar 503 selection in January 2022, Oregon Classics McMinnville | Pinot Gris
