January 25, 2012
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Cristom Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Eileen Gerrie, Paul Gerrie |
| Web site | www.cristomwines.com |
| Link to this site |
Cristom's founder and owner, Paul Gerrie, used his skills as an engineer and avid researcher to pursue his passion for wine. On his travels to France, he was introduced to the traditional growing practices of the Burgundy region. He learned that soil (terroir) and site were key in developing the complexity of the fruit. After a 1991 visit to the International Pinot Celebration in Oregon, Paul decided the time was right to leave the East Coast and bring his family and his passion for great Pinot Noir to Oregon's burgeoning wine country.
His dream could not be complete without a winemaker who shared Paul's vision of "letting the land make the wines." Enter Steve Doerner who, after a quarter century of experience, still believes the winemaker's job is to "optimize what nature — the vineyard — provides." In addition to his reputation as a master winemaker with "keen intuition" (possibly from his French heritage), Steve is a biochemist by training. His passion for Pinot Noir was inspired by working at Calera Vineyards with owner Josh Jensen and studying under Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac in Burgundy.
The engineer and biochemist set out to cultivate their vision in 1992, which today, can be seen in the eight distinct vineyards on Cristom's 65 acres. The vineyards are planted to high density and yields are strictly reduced. The Pinot Noir vineyards (named after family members) include Marjorie, Louise, Jessie, Eileen and Emile, and vineyard-designates are produced from each. There is also excellent blends including Mt Jefferson Cuvée, Sommer's Reserve and Signature Cuvée.
These are outstanding Pinot Noirs with a Burgundian sensitivity. They are rather unique for Oregon by virtue of the use of whole cluster fermentation and age very well. Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are also produced. Cristom releases several of their wines in half-bottles allowing for earlier consumption. There is good retail distribution. A tasting room is open seasonally.
Articles About Cristom Vineyards
A Taste of Noiregon, Vintages 2005 & 2006 (7.2 9/15/2008)
Cristom Vineyards: Calera Heritage (8.46 11/29/2011)
Plenty of Oregon ’08 and ’09 Pinot Bounty in the Marketplace Oregon (8.45 11/1/2011)
Report from 2009 IPNC (7.22 8/5/2009)
Small Sips of Oregon Pinot (8.19 8/8/2010)
Small Sips of the Rest (6.52 1/30/2008)
Tasting Noiregon Pinot Noir (8.9 1/22/2010)
Tasting the Six Appellations with Grape Radio (7.7 12/17/2008)
Reviewed Wines
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
ARTICLE »
2009 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.54, 5,936 cases, $30 (often discounted).
From 12 vineyard sites in the Willamette Valley including 38%
estate fruit. The first of the Cristom Pinot Noirs to be released each
year. Produced at Cristom since 1994. It is named for Mt.
Jefferson in the Cascade Range due east of Cristom and visible
from the winery’s tasting room.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in
the glass. The nose offers aromas of attractively spiced dark red
berries and cherries, broadening over time in the glass to even deeper
autumnal notes of wet leaves and truffles. Moderately intense flavors of berry
jam and Hoison sauce with hints of oak, anise, mushrooms and earth, nicely
framed by firm, dry tannins and lifted by crisp acidity. A juicy wine that is easily drinkable now, but will benefit
from a modest time in the cellar to further soften the tannins. Can work as an everyday drinker or can dress up
the dinner table on a special occasion. Very good.
Reviewed November 30, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Cristom Mt Jefferson Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $26. Always the first of Cristom’s Pinot Noir releases
each vintage.
·
Moderately deep reddish-purple robe. Intoxicating
aromas of dark berry tart and exotic baking spices. Delicious, crisp
and juicy berry fruit set off by an intense spiciness that is something I
love in Pinot Noir. Harmoniously crafted offering brisk acidity that
lifts the refreshing finish. A beautiful wine that is fairly forward for an 08 and
can be enjoyed now. Very good (+).
Reviewed August 7, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Cristom Sommers Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.77, TA 0.55, 2,058 cases,
$41. Fruit from four estate Pinot Noir vineyards (73%) combined with purchased fruit for a total of 14 vineyard
sites and 7 Pinot Noir clones. First produced in 2004, ‘Sommers’ is Jessie’s (of Jessie Vineyard) maiden
name. 47% whole clusters. Aged 17 months in 59% new oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in
the glass. Muted nose initially, opening slowly to reveal appealing aromas of red cherries and berries, fruitcake
and spice. Light in weight and wanting a little in the attack and finish, the wine still has charm and reasonably
good approachability. There are still prominent dry tannins that need time to recede. The wine gets better in
the glass over time, picking up some flavor intensity, suggesting further cellaring is necessary. Good (+).
Reviewed November 30, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.82, TA 0.54, 659 cases, $50. Highest
elevation and youngest of the estate Pinot Noir vineyards. Vines are
planted at high density in primarily Jory soil. First of the estate vineyards
to be farmed entirely by organic methods. 43% whole clusters. Native
yeast exclusively. Aged 17 months in 59% new Burgundian oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued and mysterious
perfume of black fruits, spice and stem. Fresh and juicy on the palate with very
impressive extraction and a prodigious tannic backbone. The flavors of fresh
blackberries, Hoison sauce and Asian 5-spice are reserved and take a back seat
to the tannins. Still, there is amazing grand cru quality persistence on the huge finish. Tremendous potential
here but will take years to fulfill.
Reviewed November 30, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Cristom Jessie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.88, TA 0.54,
656 cases, $50. Steeply sloped vineyard planted to high density. Primarily Nekia soil of volcanic origin. Dijon
113, 114, 115, 667, 777 and Pommard clones. 44% whole clusters, native yeast used exclusively. Aged 17
months in 63% new Burgundian oak cooperage.
·
Medium reddish-purple robe in the glass. Aromas of jam on
toast, woodshed and black cherry cola. Moderately extracted dark red and blue fruits with a touch of stem on
the dry finish. The wine has a burly tannic backbone that is buffered by good acidity. Showing significant
tannin and oak influence and reserved fruit now like so many young Pinot Noirs from Oregon’s 2008 vintage,
several years will be needed for the wine to fully reveal its charms. Very good.
Reviewed November 30, 2011
ARTICLE »
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
ARTICLE »
2008 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.56, 440 cases, $65. Soils have highest
percentage of Jory type compared to other estate vineyards. Pommard,
Wädenswil, Dijon 114, 115 and 777 clones. 43% whole clusters. Native yeast
fermentation in 1 to 5 ton open top fermenters. Aged 18 months in 67% new
Burgundian oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A
well-composed wine with complex perfume of dark red raspberry jam and cherry
compote with hints of oak, damp earth and baking spice. Very smooth on the
palate with moderately intense flavors of dark red fruits and plum sauce. The
high-quality fruit is wrapped in firm, dry tannins, the mouth feel is all silk and
satin and there is a good cut of acidity on the finish. The wine is a bit drab at present and only time will tell
what the ultimate outcome will be, but I suspect the result will be very gratifying. Very good.
Reviewed November 30, 2011
ARTICLE »
2007 Cristom ¡Salud! Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., very limited production auction item.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. This wine is well-endowed with spice both in the aromatics
and on the palate. The nose offers an interesting mix of red fruits, game and exotic woods. On the palate,
lighter weighted flavors of red cherries have a slight green note in the background. The tannins are dusty and
supple and there is a bright cut of acidity on the short finish. A delicate wine that is typical of the 2007 vintage
in Oregon, showing subtle signs of unripeness. Still, a good quaff. Good (+).
Reviewed November 30, 2011
ARTICLE »
2007 Cristom Salud Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc.,
4 cases. This is a special bottling for the 2009 Salud Oregon Wine
Auction. I bid and won a case of this wine. You can’t buy it!
·
Great
scents of exotic Middle Eastern spice, cardamon and dark red fruits.
Elegantly styled array of redder fruits that are nicely spiced. Bright and
juicy with a big jolt of spiced cherry on the dry finish. Tantalizing like
see-through lingerie. Crazy love.
Reviewed January 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $24 (1/2 bottle).
·
A spicy, cherry driven
wine that is alive with scent and flat out delicious. Very harmonious with faint oak influence,
supple ripe tannins and a gentle texture. The best wine of many great wines in this lineup today.
Reviewed December 17, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $24. Composed of fruit from the five estate vineyards
and purchased grapes.
·
Demure scent of Bing cherry and oak
spice. Delicious bright red fruits, especially red raspberry with a
respectful hint of oak and stylish baking spices. Velvety in the
mouth, clean, harmonious and perfectly balanced. Immensely
satisfying and ready to drink now. You won’t find a better Oregon (or
California, for that matter) Pinot Noir for $24.
Reviewed September 15, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Cristom Sommers Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $38.
·
Shy and simple cherry
aromas with a hint of newly mown grass. Sturdy cherry and strawberry fruit with sinew, nicely weighted and
elegant, showing some dry but refined tannins and a touch of heat on the finish. Immature and a bit disjointed,
give this wine a few years to fully integrate.
Reviewed September 15, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $42.
·
Stunning scents of red Pinot fruits, particularly strawberry with a sidecar of oak. Beautifully composed
demure cherry core which has unbelievable persistence. A creamy and seamless wine that is about as
perfect as it gets.
Reviewed September 15, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Cristom Jessie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $24
(375 ml).
·
Wonderfully scented with spiced cherries. Black cherries and black raspberries offer great
purity of flavor. Graceful and supple, with a velvety texture and a pleasing and long dry finish. An
impressive effort.
Reviewed September 15, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $24 (375 ml).
·
The nose starts off with cherries and a hint of sage, cardamon, and char. With air, the aromas pick up intensity
and fruitiness showing an intense cherry scent. A subtle and discreet wine strutting tasty black cherries,
savory herbs, some earth and a hint of chocolate. A sensual creamy texture urges you to take another sip.
Reviewed September 15, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Cristom Louise Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $48.
Composed of five estate vineyards from the 65-acre estate in the Eola Hills.
·
Entry is different and interesting
featuring baked cookies, pumpkin spice and black cherries. This Pinot is cherry fruit-driven with a
subtle oak thread running throughout. Very appealing for its finesse and earthiness. Dare I say Burgundian?
Reviewed January 30, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5%
alc., $65, sold out.
·
Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Terrific
aromatics offering plenty of whole cluster spice, dark red fruits and a
hint of brioche. Delicious array of dark red and black stone fruits
impress the mid palate with verve and intensity. Nicely proportioned
fine grain tannins and acidity with a silky texture and a finish redolent of
cherry skins. Still coming around and has plenty of life ahead.
Reviewed November 30, 2011
ARTICLE »
2004 Cristom Louise Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc. (14.5% on winery tech sheet), pH
3.77, TA 0.68, 583 cases, $65. 30% whole clusters, 100% native yeast fermentations. Aged 18 months in 63%
French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Faint aromas of black cherries, spice, humus
and herbal tea. Relatively light in weight with appealing flavors of cherries and raspberries with subtle notes of
spice and earth. Soft, but evident tannins provide substance and the finish ends on a high note with well-honed
aromatic red fruits. Should last another 5 to 10 years. Very good.
Reviewed November 30, 2011
ARTICLE »
2000 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $60, sold out.
·
Dark, inky in color in
the glass. Brooding nose offering aromas of bramble, grass and earth. Rustic, loamy and brutish offering
moderately intense dark berry fruits on the palate with very prominent oak tannins. Simply put, this wine offers
little charm. Drink up. Decent.
Reviewed November 30, 2011
ARTICLE »
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 ARTICLE »
2009 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.54, 5,936 cases, $30 (often discounted). From 12 vineyard sites in the Willamette Valley including 38% estate fruit. The first of the Cristom Pinot Noirs to be released each year. Produced at Cristom since 1994. It is named for Mt. Jefferson in the Cascade Range due east of Cristom and visible from the winery’s tasting room. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of attractively spiced dark red berries and cherries, broadening over time in the glass to even deeper autumnal notes of wet leaves and truffles. Moderately intense flavors of berry jam and Hoison sauce with hints of oak, anise, mushrooms and earth, nicely framed by firm, dry tannins and lifted by crisp acidity. A juicy wine that is easily drinkable now, but will benefit from a modest time in the cellar to further soften the tannins. Can work as an everyday drinker or can dress up the dinner table on a special occasion. Very good. Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Cristom Mt Jefferson Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $26. Always the first of Cristom’s Pinot Noir releases each vintage. · Moderately deep reddish-purple robe. Intoxicating aromas of dark berry tart and exotic baking spices. Delicious, crisp and juicy berry fruit set off by an intense spiciness that is something I love in Pinot Noir. Harmoniously crafted offering brisk acidity that lifts the refreshing finish. A beautiful wine that is fairly forward for an 08 and can be enjoyed now. Very good (+). Reviewed August 7, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Cristom Sommers Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.77, TA 0.55, 2,058 cases, $41. Fruit from four estate Pinot Noir vineyards (73%) combined with purchased fruit for a total of 14 vineyard sites and 7 Pinot Noir clones. First produced in 2004, ‘Sommers’ is Jessie’s (of Jessie Vineyard) maiden name. 47% whole clusters. Aged 17 months in 59% new oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Muted nose initially, opening slowly to reveal appealing aromas of red cherries and berries, fruitcake and spice. Light in weight and wanting a little in the attack and finish, the wine still has charm and reasonably good approachability. There are still prominent dry tannins that need time to recede. The wine gets better in the glass over time, picking up some flavor intensity, suggesting further cellaring is necessary. Good (+). Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.82, TA 0.54, 659 cases, $50. Highest elevation and youngest of the estate Pinot Noir vineyards. Vines are planted at high density in primarily Jory soil. First of the estate vineyards to be farmed entirely by organic methods. 43% whole clusters. Native yeast exclusively. Aged 17 months in 59% new Burgundian oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued and mysterious perfume of black fruits, spice and stem. Fresh and juicy on the palate with very impressive extraction and a prodigious tannic backbone. The flavors of fresh blackberries, Hoison sauce and Asian 5-spice are reserved and take a back seat to the tannins. Still, there is amazing grand cru quality persistence on the huge finish. Tremendous potential here but will take years to fulfill. Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Cristom Jessie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.88, TA 0.54, 656 cases, $50. Steeply sloped vineyard planted to high density. Primarily Nekia soil of volcanic origin. Dijon 113, 114, 115, 667, 777 and Pommard clones. 44% whole clusters, native yeast used exclusively. Aged 17 months in 63% new Burgundian oak cooperage. · Medium reddish-purple robe in the glass. Aromas of jam on toast, woodshed and black cherry cola. Moderately extracted dark red and blue fruits with a touch of stem on the dry finish. The wine has a burly tannic backbone that is buffered by good acidity. Showing significant tannin and oak influence and reserved fruit now like so many young Pinot Noirs from Oregon’s 2008 vintage, several years will be needed for the wine to fully reveal its charms. Very good. Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »
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 ARTICLE »
2008 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.56, 440 cases, $65. Soils have highest percentage of Jory type compared to other estate vineyards. Pommard, Wädenswil, Dijon 114, 115 and 777 clones. 43% whole clusters. Native yeast fermentation in 1 to 5 ton open top fermenters. Aged 18 months in 67% new Burgundian oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A well-composed wine with complex perfume of dark red raspberry jam and cherry compote with hints of oak, damp earth and baking spice. Very smooth on the palate with moderately intense flavors of dark red fruits and plum sauce. The high-quality fruit is wrapped in firm, dry tannins, the mouth feel is all silk and satin and there is a good cut of acidity on the finish. The wine is a bit drab at present and only time will tell what the ultimate outcome will be, but I suspect the result will be very gratifying. Very good. Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »
2007 Cristom ¡Salud! Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., very limited production auction item. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. This wine is well-endowed with spice both in the aromatics and on the palate. The nose offers an interesting mix of red fruits, game and exotic woods. On the palate, lighter weighted flavors of red cherries have a slight green note in the background. The tannins are dusty and supple and there is a bright cut of acidity on the short finish. A delicate wine that is typical of the 2007 vintage in Oregon, showing subtle signs of unripeness. Still, a good quaff. Good (+). Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »
2007 Cristom Salud Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 4 cases. This is a special bottling for the 2009 Salud Oregon Wine Auction. I bid and won a case of this wine. You can’t buy it! · Great scents of exotic Middle Eastern spice, cardamon and dark red fruits. Elegantly styled array of redder fruits that are nicely spiced. Bright and juicy with a big jolt of spiced cherry on the dry finish. Tantalizing like see-through lingerie. Crazy love. Reviewed January 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $24 (1/2 bottle). · A spicy, cherry driven wine that is alive with scent and flat out delicious. Very harmonious with faint oak influence, supple ripe tannins and a gentle texture. The best wine of many great wines in this lineup today. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $24. Composed of fruit from the five estate vineyards and purchased grapes. · Demure scent of Bing cherry and oak spice. Delicious bright red fruits, especially red raspberry with a respectful hint of oak and stylish baking spices. Velvety in the mouth, clean, harmonious and perfectly balanced. Immensely satisfying and ready to drink now. You won’t find a better Oregon (or California, for that matter) Pinot Noir for $24. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Cristom Sommers Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $38. · Shy and simple cherry aromas with a hint of newly mown grass. Sturdy cherry and strawberry fruit with sinew, nicely weighted and elegant, showing some dry but refined tannins and a touch of heat on the finish. Immature and a bit disjointed, give this wine a few years to fully integrate. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $42. · Stunning scents of red Pinot fruits, particularly strawberry with a sidecar of oak. Beautifully composed demure cherry core which has unbelievable persistence. A creamy and seamless wine that is about as perfect as it gets. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Cristom Jessie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $24 (375 ml). · Wonderfully scented with spiced cherries. Black cherries and black raspberries offer great purity of flavor. Graceful and supple, with a velvety texture and a pleasing and long dry finish. An impressive effort. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $24 (375 ml). · The nose starts off with cherries and a hint of sage, cardamon, and char. With air, the aromas pick up intensity and fruitiness showing an intense cherry scent. A subtle and discreet wine strutting tasty black cherries, savory herbs, some earth and a hint of chocolate. A sensual creamy texture urges you to take another sip. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Cristom Louise Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $48. Composed of five estate vineyards from the 65-acre estate in the Eola Hills. · Entry is different and interesting featuring baked cookies, pumpkin spice and black cherries. This Pinot is cherry fruit-driven with a subtle oak thread running throughout. Very appealing for its finesse and earthiness. Dare I say Burgundian? Reviewed January 30, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $65, sold out. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Terrific aromatics offering plenty of whole cluster spice, dark red fruits and a hint of brioche. Delicious array of dark red and black stone fruits impress the mid palate with verve and intensity. Nicely proportioned fine grain tannins and acidity with a silky texture and a finish redolent of cherry skins. Still coming around and has plenty of life ahead. Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »
2004 Cristom Louise Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc. (14.5% on winery tech sheet), pH 3.77, TA 0.68, 583 cases, $65. 30% whole clusters, 100% native yeast fermentations. Aged 18 months in 63% French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Faint aromas of black cherries, spice, humus and herbal tea. Relatively light in weight with appealing flavors of cherries and raspberries with subtle notes of spice and earth. Soft, but evident tannins provide substance and the finish ends on a high note with well-honed aromatic red fruits. Should last another 5 to 10 years. Very good. Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »
2000 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $60, sold out. · Dark, inky in color in the glass. Brooding nose offering aromas of bramble, grass and earth. Rustic, loamy and brutish offering moderately intense dark berry fruits on the palate with very prominent oak tannins. Simply put, this wine offers little charm. Drink up. Decent. Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »
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