2017 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 10,000 cases, $35. The embodiment of the Cristom style combining whole cluster inclusion and native fermentation with a focus on special vineyard sites. A blend of grapes from each of the estate vineyards (60%) and fruit sourced from neighboring vineyards in the Willamette Valley (40%). Stylistically the most approachable Pinot Noir in its youth. Clones 113, 114, 115, 667, 777, “828,” Pommard and Wädenswil. 47% whole clusters, native yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Fined with egg whites and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is more savory than fruity, featuring aromas of burnt tobacco, exotic spices and turned earth. Mid weight flavors of purple and black berry fruits are laden with earthiness. Silken in texture, with modest tannins showing up on the finish. Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed July 20, 2019

Winery: Cristom Vineyards
From article: Cristom Vineyards: One of America’s Greatest Wineries Delivers (Again)