2008 Cristom Louise Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.86, TA 0.56, 575 cases, $50. Lowest elevation hillside vineyard planted to high density of 2300 vines per acre. Pommard, 2A, 114, 115 and 777 clones. 42% whole cluster and 100% native yeast fermentations. Aged 18 months in 58% new Burgundian oak barrels. · Medium garnet color in the glass. Very alluring aromatics offering scents of fresh red berries, particularly strawberries, with hints of fruit and oak spice. Moderately robust on the palate with sweet flavors of dark red berries and cherries, well-mannered ripe tannins, and a very long finish imbued with dark red berries. The most upfront charm of all the 2008 single vineyard Pinot Noirs. My only nit is that a little alcohol shows up on the nose and finish. Very good. Reviewed November 30, 2011

Winery: Cristom Vineyards
From article: Cristom Vineyards: Calera Heritage