October 28, 2023 - Another enjoyable cristom. Opened 2 +hours before drinking. Very understated bouquet. Sophisticated mid palette and decent finish. Not obvious that this has the legs to keep improving beyond the next year or two
August 1, 2023 - Superb Oregon Pinot Noir rivaling most Red Burgundy Gran Crus. Expressive fruit of raspberry along with medium acidity and a long and strong finish. At nine years, this vintage is still not at its peak. Certainly a vintage that will improve over the next five years and last another five afterwards.
January 30, 2023 - I was stunned by this bottle. When we visited the winery I liked the wine alot. But they were far less evolved. This one is in a great place right now and is showing really well. It has a bright and effusive nose, with pronounced rose petals and other floral scents, in addition to a spicy, peppery quality. Very high quality fruit, with gorgeous strawberry, plum, and pomegranate on the palate.
And a lovely, balanced mouthfeel with vivacious tannins. A silky finish that coats the palate. Just wow. Wish I had bought more. I can't keep it in the glass.
It could likely evolve for a few more years. Have some bottles left, and am really looking forward to seeing if it gets any better.
November 18, 2022 - Good stuff with great fruit: mostly dark but with lighter notes. Good quality but a bit polished. A little bit too much vanilla and butter for me, but still in balance.
October 1, 2022 - 375 vertical along with the 16 and the 17: This is the beautiful one. Soft red fruit, earth and graham cracker, a nice line of acidity. YUM.
January 9, 2022 - Cristom Vertical (Eola Amity Hills AVA): 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.
May 8, 2021 - Cranberry, herby and some spice.
August 22, 2020 - Very enjoyable. If you like the Cristom style you’ll like, if not love, this. When deciding which bottle to open this evening, I was curious why this had a much lower rating than the other Cristom “ladies.” All it takes is one 60 point rating to bring down the average.
November 20, 2019 - Pale Rubi.
Middle aromas in nose: cranberries, red fruits, it already lose all the primary aromas goes for the tertiary aromas.
Low Alcohol, low tanning, light body.
It is a wine to drink now, if you have one.
July 22, 2019 - Decanted 2 hours. I moved this up a point as I believe the wine has matured and now moved into its solid drinking window. Lot’s of flavor with a great base. Not over the top. A really nice vintage.