2015 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.55, 554 cases, $70. Marjorie Vineyard is Cristom’s oldest estate plantings, predating the company back to 1982. Named in honor of winegrower-owner Tom Gerrie’s grandmother. Own-rooted, lower-density plantings. Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon 114, 115 and 777. Vines produce very small, highly concentrated clusters. 59% whole cluster native yeast fermentation. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 58% new. Fined with egg whites, unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Complex and sexy nose, presenting aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, spice, tobacco leaf, menthol and vanilla. Mid weight flavors of dark cherry and berry framed by husky tannins. Commendable richness and length in the mouth, with the fruit becoming more charming over time in the glass. The juicy, persistent finish rounds out a special wine. Noticeably better when re-tasted later in the day and still exceptional when re-tasted three days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Marjorie is usually my Cristom paramour. Score: 94. Reviewed January 20, 2018

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