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

14.0% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.58, 856 cases, $59. The first vineyard established at Cristom in 1993 and named for founder Paul Gerrie's maternal grandmother. Densely planted at 2300 vines per acre on the upper slopes of vineyard ("Upper Louise") and 1,815 vines per acre on the lower vines closest to the winery ("Lower Louise"). Louise has the most dramatic soil diversity among all Cristom vineyards. 9.31 acres are planted with Dijon 113, 114, 115 and 777 and Pommard clones. Harvest Brix 23.6º-25.1º. 42% whole clusters. No cold soak before native yeast fermentation. Minimum effective additions of sulfur and tartaric acid. Bladder pressed and aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 51% new. Bottled after fining with egg whites and unfiltered. · Light cherry red color in the glass. The aromas of crushed cherry, spice, rose petal, pine sap and vanilla oil draw your nose into the glass. A perfectly ripened core of dark red cherry essence fills every nook and cranny in the mouth and really clings to the finish. There are nuances galore, including accents of cardamom spice, boysenberry juice and subtle oak spices. The wine has noticeable energy and enough tannin for the long haul. Even more giving when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle exhibiting dreamy balance. Score: 95. Reviewed December 13, 2016

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