Cristom Vertical

A vertical tasting from different vineyard blocks ranging from 2014-2017. All from 375 mL format.

• 2017 Cristom Pinot Noir Paul Gerrie Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  54% whole clusters and aged 18 months in 64% new French oak. From vines planted in 2014. Dijon (777, 115) and Pommard.
  Moderate aromas in the glass with notes of dark cherry, pomegranate, and a hint of red apple skin with notes of tea, volcanic and scorched earth, smoke, spent coffee grounds, dried rose, sea mist and hits of bramble, spice and underbrush.
  The palate shows a darker streak of fruit with plum skin, black currant and dark cherry notes that come with earthy undertones, dried rose petals, black tea, walnut bitters, underbrush, smoke and minerals and hints of pepper spice. A little tight right now even with the airtime given. Tannins are above moderate and gritty while the acidity is juicy and provides contrast against the tannins. The wine finishes moderately.
  The wine will perhaps be better with a little more bottle time, that being said I don't sense a big jump in improvement.

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• 2016 Cristom Pinot Noir Louise Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  Dijon (113, 114, 115, 777) & Pommard. 48% Whole Cluster. Aged 18 months in French oak, 56% new.
  In the glass the '16 Louise is red fruited with notes of cherry, pomegranate, wild strawberry and brambly raspberry that comes laced with gentle spice notes, salty minerals, rooibos, rose hip and touches of tobacco and herbs.
  Moderate intensity with the entry onto the palate with a more polished and smooth tannin structure than on the Paul tasted in this vertical. Acidity is above moderate and keeps the wine zesty. Flavors come through with notes of red cherry, pomegranate, red plum, wild strawberry and nuances of florals, smoke, minerals, saline, rooibos, and hints of spice and herbs. the finish lingers.
  The best in the vertical.

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• 2015 Cristom Pinot Noir Eileen Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  Wädenswil and 667 clones. Aged 18 months in 50% new French oak.
  Aromas are bright and fresh highlighting notes of sweet strawberry, raspberry and red cherry with pomegranate, floral pastilles, exotic spices, sea breeze, red vines, suede and light hints of white pepper and earth.
  The palate is bright and lucid with plenty of racy acidity. lively notes of cranberry sauce, raspberry, pomegranate juice and petite strawberries mingle with notes of floral pastilles, Asian 5 spice, suede, saline, chalk and earth. The tannins a soft and almost powdery. The finish is long and lingering.

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• 2014 Cristom Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  A combination of Dijon clones with Pommard. Approximately 50% whole cluster and aged 18 months in French oak.
  In the glass this is the richest in the vertical. Notes of Kirch, Chambord, Pomegranate syrup and strawberry jam that are accompanied by notes of potpourri, exotic spices, incense smoke, sandalwood and in the background the notes of mocha and earth.
  On the palate rich and extracted revealing the heat of the vintage but accompanied by lively acidity. Tannins are ripe and polished with a moderate level. Rich flavors follow the nose to a t with notes of Chambord, Kirch, Strawberry jam, and pomegranate molasses, sandalwood, exotic spices, light smoke and floral pastilles. The finish lingers with a hint of rubbed sage.
  A plush style that shows the effects of the vintage.

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