Latest Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs from Cristom Vineyards
What could I possibly write that has not already been said about this iconic Willamette Valley winery? The
Cristom wines have an unrivaled string of successful vintages dating back to its founding in 1992. The winery
holds the unique distinction among Willamette Valley producers of besides Pinot Noir also offering exceptional
Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris and Syrah as well as Old Vine Pinot Noir from other prestigious grower
vineyards. Diving the success of Cristom Vineyards has been founder and owner Paul Gerrie, his son Tom
(who has taken over as manager), winemaker Steve Doerner, and viticulturist Mark Feltz who have been with
Cristom Vineyards since its beginning.
Cristom Vineyards is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The estate Pinot Noir is all planted on volcanic soils at
the higher elevations of the estate property. The Pinot Noir vineyards other than Marjorie are planted to high
density (about 2,300 vines per acre) and yields are strictly reduced. Marjorie Vineyard was part of the original
vineyard existing when the property was acquired and has been kept original at 605 vines per acre. Marjorie is
the only Cristom vineyard planted on its own roots. The other four estate vineyards, named after family
members, include Louise, Jessie, Eileen and Emile and vineyard-designated Pinot Noir have been produced
from each of those five vineyards. Another vineyard, Paul Gerrie, named for the winery founder, was
established in 2014 and is now also a vineyard-designate.. The Cristom Vineyards website offers an interactive
map of the vineyards with details of each vineyard.
Blends of Pinot Noir have also been offered, often using additional fruit from other growers, including Mt.
Jefferson Cuvée, Estate and Sommer’s Reserve.
The mode of Pinot Noir vinification involves the use of whole cluster fermentation. Doerner is a minimalist,
working with native yeasts and without a cold soak or filtration, with only minimal fining and racking. Age-ability
is a consistent feature of Cristom Pinot Noirs.
Pinot Noir clones vary in each vineyard but all contain Pommard and Dijon clones with some planted in addition with
Wädenswil.
Tastings are available at the winery daily by reservation with special experience options available. Visit the
website at www.cristomvineyards.com. All of the current single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and older vintages are
available on the website store. Take your pick of the 2019s, each one is exceptional.
As you undoubtedly know by now, the 2019 vintage in the Willamette Valley was among the best among those
of the past decade and the 2019 Cristom Vineyards Pinot Noir lineup reflects the blessing of that vintage.
NV Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Eola-Amity Hills Pint Noir
13.5% alc., $40. This blend has a focus on estate
fruit with added grapes sourced from some of the finest vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills. The flagship wine of
the Cristom brand that is an embodiment of the Cristom style.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The
nose is both savory and fruity offering aromas of black cherry, forest floor and burnt tobacco. The flavor profile
mimics the nose with added flavors of peppery spices and tobacco. Open and giving with modest tannins and
finish. This is a solid wine but does not mimic the finish of the other vineyard-designated wines.
Score: 92
2019 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., $75. Vineyard is situated at the
highest elevation of the original Cristom estate rising to over 735 feet. The most wind-swept vines on the estate
property. First established in 1997, now 22 acres of Pinot Noir. Clones are Pommard, Wߐdenswil, Mt. Eden,
Swan, Calera and Dijon 114, 115 and 777.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Glorious aromas of fresh cherry,
red berry, red rose, sap and pipe smoke. Very open from the get-go with mid-weight flavors of dark red cherry
and ripe strawberry accented with exotic spices. Noticeably expressive on entry and mid-palate with a silky
texture. Impeccable harmony with a long, quenching and taunting finish.
Score: 95
2019 Cristom Jessie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $75. 11.53 acres first planted in
1994. Very steep with a diverse range of volcanic soils. Pommard and Dijon 113, 114, 115, 667, and 777.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. This wine stands out among the lineup for its darker fruit profile. Aromas of
dark berries, purple rose, worn leather and burnt tobacco. The wine becomes more civilized over time in the
glass, sporting mid-weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, boysenberry and black tea annotated with a
whisper of oak. Slightly gruff tannins with a good cut of acidity on the length finish. Cellaring will offer rewards.
Score: 94
2019 Cristom Louise Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $75. This vineyard was established
in 1993. Planted to the lowest slopes of the Cristom estate, the vines are now the oldest at Cristom (more than
26-years-old). 12.3 acres of Pinot Noir. Clones are Pommard and Dijon 113, 114, 115, and 777.
·
Moderately
light garnet color in the glass. A sensual nose offers aromas of black cherry, warm pastry, spice cabinet and
toast. Very charming with middleweight intensity, offering dark cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and clove
flavors. there is a hardy tannic spine and an extremely long finish replete with taunting fruit.
Score: 94
2019 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $75. Distinctive at Cristom for its lower-density
plantings, very small, highly concentrated clusters and wide spacing
rows that harken back to the earliest days of Oregon
viticulture. Established in 1982 with own-rooted Pinot Noir, this
8.4-acre vineyard has been mostly re-planted due to Phylloxera.
Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, and Dijon 114, 115, and 777.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Terrific scent of black cherry
pie, dusty rose, clove and tilled earth. Very provocative, with a
vivid core of bright red cherry fruit married to supportive tannins.
Will be amazing young or with age. The teasing finish last over
30 seconds. Marjorie is often the Cristom Pinot Noir I want to
date.
Score: 96
2019 Cristom Paul Gerrie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., $75. Development of this
vineyard began in 2014. Now more than 22 acres of Pinot Noir planted in deep volcanic soils. Clones are
Pommard and Dijon 113, 114, 115, 667, and 777.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A whole cluster
inspired nose with aromas of red rose, bramble, sweet pipe smoke and pine sap. The spicy strawberry and
cherry fruits have a discreet richness and retain their goodness through the long finish. A spirited wine with
balanced tannins and easy approachability.
Score: 93
2018 Cristom Old Vine Series Arcus Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 225 cases, $45.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Highly nuanced nose with aromas of dark cherry, muddy earth,
cardamom spice, rare beef and floral goodness. Intense entry attack of dark red cherry and black raspberry
fruits with a subtle compliment of earth and oak. Bright acidity fuels the freshness and juiciness of the wine.
Notable tannins contribute the likelihood of age ability. The finish is impressive for its persistence.
Score: 94
2018 Cristom Old Vine Series Hyland Vineyard McMinnville Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 175 cases, $45. Wadenswil and Coury
clones.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very seductive
whole cluster driven nose of cherry, beef rub spices, rose petal
and a light imprint of oak. Absolutely delightful with a mid-weight
core of well-spiced black cherry fruit framed by moderately firm
tannins and acidic verve. Terrific harmony with a lip-smacking
finish of striking length. Exhilarating when tasted the following
day from a previously opened bottle. The whole monty and a
tremendous value.
Score: 97
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