2015 Cristom Jessie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.56, 1,006 cases, $65. This vineyard is named for winegrower and owner Tom Gerrie’s great-grandmother Jessie Summers. Vineyard was established in 1994 on one of the steepest hillsides in Oregon and therefore one of the most challenging to farm on the Cristom Estate. High-density plantings of 2,311 vines per acre. 49% whole cluster native yeast fermentation. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 52% new. Bottled after egg white fining without filtering. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of fresh berry basket, spice, burnt tobacco and toasty oak, soaring in intensity over time in the glass. Mid weight flavors of black cherry and black raspberry have a savory spice and tobacco underpinning. Fresh and vivid, with somewhat firm tannins and a satiny mouth feel. A bit tight upon opening, showing more openness and harmony when re-tasted the next day and two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed January 20, 2018

Winery: Cristom Vineyards
From article: Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Other Wines