Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

 

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Cristom
Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : USA
  • Region : Oregon
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Fruity Medium Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Pinot Noir

Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir is a masterpiece of structure and elegance, combining vibrant red fruit, floral aromatics, and earthy complexity from one of the most distinctive sites in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 95 2021
JS James Suckling 96 2019
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 95 2019
WE Wine Enthusiast 92 2019
WS Wine Spectator 92 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Jessie Vineyard, planted in 1994, is named after founder Paul Gerrie’s grandmother, Jessie Sommers Gerrie. It is located on the steep, east-facing mid-slopes of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Covering 11.5 acres, it is planted exclusively with Pinot Noir using a high-density method of 2,311 vines per acre.

This unique vineyard has an east-west row orientation, preventing terracing and preserving bright fruit and floral aromatics by protecting the grapes from the intense afternoon sun. The soils are a mix of volcanic Columbia River Basalts, including Jory, Saum, Nekia, Gelderman, Ritner, and Witzel, which contribute structure, minerality, and a profound sense of place to the wine. The vineyard benefits from cooling Pacific winds channeled through the Van Duzer Corridor, ensuring vibrant acidity and balanced ripeness.

Winemaking

This vintage was characterized by a long growing season, with cool spring temperatures and a warm, sunny summer that allowed for slow, even ripening. Grapes were 100% hand-harvested from Jessie Vineyard between September 23 and October 12, ensuring optimal fruit quality.

Winemaking included 49% whole-cluster fermentation, enhancing structure and aromatic complexity. Fermentations were conducted with 100% native yeasts, showcasing the vineyard’s natural microbiome. The wine was aged for 17 months on its lees in 30% new French oak barrels, integrating spice and texture while preserving the purity of the fruit. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered, ensuring a true expression of its terroir.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby with hints of garnet.
  • Aromas: Intriguing floral and savory notes of rose petals, shiitake mushrooms, and charcuterie, alongside vibrant cherry and strawberry rhubarb.
  • Palate: Elegant and textural, with flavors of crunchy red fruit, herbs, and a touch of earthiness. Firm tannins and fresh acidity lead to a long, persistent finish.

Did you know?

The Jessie Vineyard is Cristom’s most dramatic and challenging site to farm due to its steep slopes. Its dense planting forces vine roots deeper into the volcanic soils, enhancing the wine’s complexity and creating a profound sense of place.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Wild mushroom tart with thyme: Highlights the wine’s earthy and herbal notes.
  • Duck breast with cherry glaze: Complements the vibrant red fruit flavors.
  • Grilled salmon with soy-ginger sauce: Matches the wine’s savory and umami undertones.
  • Aged cheddar or Gruyère: Balances the wine’s acidity and refined tannins.

History of Cristom Vineyards

Founded by Paul Gerrie, Cristom Vineyards was born from a desire to craft wines that honor the land and reflect the unique terroir of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The name Cristom combines the names of Gerrie’s children, Christine and Tom, signifying the family’s integral role in the estate.

Cristom’s winemaking philosophy is deeply rooted in tradition and innovation. Led by winemaker Steve Doerner, who joined the winery at its inception, Cristom has championed techniques such as whole-cluster fermentation and minimal intervention to craft wines of complexity and elegance. Over the decades, the estate has earned international acclaim for its focus on single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, reflecting the distinct characteristics of each site.

Region and Vineyards

Cristom Vineyards is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, a sub-region of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The estate spans 240 acres, with 90 acres planted to vines on the eastern-facing slopes. The vineyards benefit from the Van Duzer Corridor, which channels cool ocean breezes, moderating temperatures and preserving acidity in the grapes.

The estate features five single vineyards, each named after a family member:

  • Eileen Vineyard: Situated at the highest elevation, offering bright and elegant wines.
  • Jessie Vineyard: Known for its steep slopes and complex soils, producing structured and earthy wines.
  • Louise Vineyard: The estate’s lowest vineyard, producing richly textured wines.
  • Marjorie Vineyard: Home to some of the oldest vines, delivering wines of depth and finesse.
  • Paul Gerrie Vineyard: The newest addition, showcasing the future potential of Cristom’s terroir.

Wine Range of Cristom Vineyards

Cristom produces a wide range of wines that emphasize the uniqueness of its vineyards:

  • Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir: Each vineyard is vinified separately to capture its distinct character, including Eileen, Jessie, Louise, Marjorie, and Paul Gerrie.
  • Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir: A flagship blend representing the broader Cristom estate.
  • Chardonnay: Crafted with precision and showcasing the bright acidity and minerality of Oregon’s volcanic soils.
  • Syrah: A limited production wine that highlights Cristom’s innovation beyond Pinot Noir.

Did you know?

Cristom integrates biodynamic and organic farming practices across its estate, focusing on sustainability and vineyard health. The vineyards are home to chickens and sheep, which naturally manage pests and fertilize the soil, creating a thriving ecosystem that enhances vine quality.

Robert Parker (RP) : 95 Points (2021)
The 2021 Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard was fermented with 52% whole clusters, and the wine was matured for 18 months in 38% new French oak. It features layered scents of raspberry, pomegranate, tea leaves, prosciutto and earth, offering additional nuances with each return to the glass. The medium-bodied palate offers complex layers of fruit, earth and spice. It has a seamless frame of dusty tannins and vibrant acidity and a long, fragrant finish. 781 cases were made.

James Suckling (JS) : 96 Points (2019)
The aromas are pretty amazing here with dried flowers, pure fruit, sweet berries and dark strawberries. It’s full-bodied and very layered with ripe, velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Richness with focus. Very drinkable now, but better after 2023.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 95 Points (2019)
Dark garnet. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red and blue fruits, Asian spices, botanical herbs and potpourri, and a smoky mineral topnote builds in the glass. Sweet, broad and supple on entry and then tighter in the midpalate, offering bitter cherry, Chambord, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show sharp delineation and vibrant lift. The cherry note carries strongly through the impressively long, subtly tannic finish, which leaves lavender and baking spice notes behind. 45% whole clusters and 42% new French oak. (JR)

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 92 Points (2019)
A light touch of compost adds texture and detail to this wine that is sourced from a midslope, east-facing vineyard block. Tart red fruits and a finishing lick of chocolate are the principal flavors. Overall this is full-flavored and balanced with a nice mix of acidity, fruit and tannin. (PG)

Wine Spectator (WS) : 92 Points (2019)
Dense yet refined, with multilayered dark berry, sandalwood and black tea flavors that gather tension toward sleek tannins. Drink now through 2029. (TF)

Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom
Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir 2021
JS
94
RP
93
W&S
92
Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir captures the heart of Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills, delivering a blend of vibrant red fruit, earthy undertones, and elegant structure, crafted from a selection of estate and neighboring vineyards.
50,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Cristom Eola Amity Hills Chardonnay 2020
Cristom Eola Amity Hills Chardonnay 2020
Cristom
Eola Amity Hills Chardonnay 2020
JS
93
WE
92
W&S
92
From volcanic soils and biodynamically farmed vineyards, Cristom Chardonnay offers a complex profile of lemon curd, brioche, and minerality, showcasing the distinctive terroir of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.
54,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom
Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
JS
94
RP
93
WE
92
From the iconic Louise Vineyard, this Pinot Noir reveals layers of cherry, spices, and earthy tones, embodying the essence of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.
97,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom
Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
RP
95
WS
92
WE
94
Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir is a remarkable expression of Willamette Valley terroir, showcasing the elegance, depth, and complexity that define Oregon Pinot Noir.
97,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Cristom Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom
Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
RP
95
JS
95
Cristom Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir is a captivating expression of Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills, combining vibrant red fruit, refined tannins, and volcanic minerality with a polished elegance.
97,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom
Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
RP
92
DCT
95
VN
96
Crafted from the most wind-swept vines on the Cristom Estate, Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir combines structure, finesse, and depth with a balance of fruit and savory characteristics.
97,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
97,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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