2009 Cristom Mt Jefferson Cuvèe Oregon Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $27. Winemaker Steve Doerner is a master blender and this blend is always a dependable wine. Native yeasts, minimal handling, unfiltered. Always the first Cristom released each vintage, it is an early drinking wine of great value (often found discounted below the retail price). · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Plenty of whole cluster spice on the nose highlighting the strawberry and cherry fruit aromas. Discreetly concentrated flavors of darker red berries accented by hints of anise, earth, chocolate and oak. Juicy and crisp with some firm, dry tannins. Very approachable now, but will benefit from another year in bottle to soften the tannins and boost the charm. Very good. Reviewed November 2, 2011

Winery: Cristom Vineyards
From article: Plenty of Oregon ’08 and ’09 Pinot Bounty in the Marketplace Oregon