PROJECT M's 2024 Astria Pinot Blanc Earns 93 Points: "World-Class Level" Recognition from Wine Review Online
Wine Review Online's Michael Franz spotlights our precision-driven approach to Willamette Valley white winemaking
The Recognition That Validates Our Philosophy
When Wine Review Online's Michael Franz reviewed 11 Willamette Valley Pinot Blancs on July 16th, our 2024 Astria Pinot Blanc didn't just make the cut—it earned recognition as "among the best" with an impressive 93-point score.
But for us at PROJECT M, this review represents something deeper than points. It validates our fundamental approach to white winemaking, one that challenges conventional wisdom about what makes wine compelling.
"Acid is a Jewel": The Philosophy Behind Our 93-Point Pinot Blanc
Anyone who has experienced our Rieslings, Sparkling Rosé, or Chardonnay knows we take white winemaking seriously at PROJECT M. Our approach centers on a simple but revolutionary belief: Acid is a Jewel.
While many winemakers view acidity as something to tame or mask, we see it as the most exhilarating attribute of white wine. Like master jewelers, we don't cover up this precious element—we polish it free of burrs and barbs, then place it in a setting that showcases its natural brilliance.
This philosophy shines through in Franz's tasting notes, where he specifically praised the wine's "penetration and persistence"—direct results of our careful acid preservation.
Precision Over Power: Why We Choose Length Over Width
"We strive to make wines with dimensions that favor length over width."
In an industry often obsessed with bold, powerful wines, we've chosen a different path. Broad wines of power are, frankly, cheap party tricks. The real winemaking challenge, and the more interesting drinking experience, lies in achieving precision, length, and persistence.
Franz clearly noticed this intentional approach, stating our Astria shows "the potential of this variety at a world-class level" through its layered complexity and impressive persistence rather than overwhelming power.
Built for Real Life: Food-Friendly But Never Food-Dependent
Like all PROJECT M wines, our Astria Pinot Blanc complements a wide variety of foods but never requires them. It pairs as beautifully with weekend beach gatherings as it does with elegant calamari dinners.
As an American winery, we build wines to suit American drinking habits—versatile, approachable, and ready whenever we feel like opening a bottle.
The Full Review: What 93 Points Looks Like
Here's Michael Franz's complete review from Wine Review Online:
Project M Wines (Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon) Pinot Blanc "Astria" 2024 ($30): This was among the best of the Pinot Blancs I tasted from the Willamette Valley. It shows both the palate weight and the depth of flavor and penetration and persistence to show the potential of this variety at a world-class level. Medium-bodied, with reticent aromas but fully expressive flavors of orchard fruits first in prominence then ripe pear, followed by ripe apple. This is a thoroughly satisfying and even layered wine, which is impressive for a young release from 2024. 93
Experience the Philosophy Yourself
Curious about what "acid as a jewel" tastes like? Our 2024 Astria Pinot Blanc is available now for $30. Discover why Wine Review Online called it world-class level winemaking.