2014 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.60, 381 cases, $69. Only vineyard kept when the property was bought in 1992. This upper field had been planted in 1982 but abandoned in the late 1980s. The vineyard was named in honor of founder Paul Gerrie's late mother. The vineyard is distinctive in that it is own-rooted and lower density (6' x12') plantings. 8.5 acres are planted between the lower slopes of Louise Vineyard and Eileen Vineyard at the top of the hill. By 2004, Marjorie was re-planted with young vines grafted to phylloxera resistant rootstocks to supplant the older original vines. In 1999, the original Martini clone was grafted over to Dijon 114, 115 and 777. Beginning in 2004, re-planting of Marjorie was undertaken with Pommard, Wädenswil, 114, 115 and 777. Some original Pommard and Wädenswil vines remain. Both original and young vines contribute to this bottling. Harvest Brix 24.3º-24.7º. 48% whole clusters, no cold soak, native yeast fermentations, minimum effective additions of sulfur and tartaric acid, bladder pressed, and aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 47% new. Bottled after fining with egg whites and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers a whole cluster delight of black cherry, rose petal, cinnamon, and exotic spice aromas. The whole cluster also embellishes the palate that features a mid weight core of succulent, well-spiced cherry fruit that is flat-out delicious. Welcome balance, with silky tannins and juicy acidity, finishing with a lengthy stream of spiced cherry and raspberry fruits. Even better the following day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing more power and depth and an even more gorgeous finish. Score: 96. Reviewed December 13, 2016

Winery: Cristom Vineyards
From article: Final Oregon Wine Reviews of 2016