Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir 2021

Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir 2021

 

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Cristom
Mt. Jefferson Cuvee 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 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.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 94 2021
RP Robert Parker 92+ 2021
W&S Wines & Spirits 92 2021
WE Wine Enthusiast 91 2019
WS Wine Spectator 91 2019
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 92 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Mt. Jefferson Cuvée is sourced from Cristom’s five estate vineyards—Paul Gerrie, Eileen, Louise, Jessie, and Marjorie—as well as other esteemed vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, within the Willamette Valley, Oregon. This region benefits from the cooling breezes of the Van Duzer Corridor, which moderate summer heat, extending the growing season and preserving acidity in the grapes.

The vineyards are planted on diverse volcanic soils, such as Columbia River Basalts, and vary in elevation and aspect, contributing layers of complexity and structure to the wine. The estate fruit, comprising 75% of the blend, is farmed with sustainable practices to ensure the integrity of the terroir.

Winemaking

This vintage reflects Cristom’s commitment to traditional and natural winemaking. Grapes were 100% hand-harvested and underwent 52% whole-cluster fermentation, a hallmark of Cristom’s style that enhances aromatic complexity and tannin structure. Fermentation was carried out with 100% native yeast, capturing the unique microbiome of the vineyards.

The wine was aged for 10 months on its lees in 22% new French oak barrels, providing subtle spice and integration without overshadowing the fruit. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving its purity and showcasing the expression of the terroir.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Bright ruby with garnet hues.
  • Aromas: Complex aromas of cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate, intertwined with notes of dried herbs, baking spices, and a hint of earthiness.
  • Palate: Vibrant and balanced, featuring flavors of red plum, raspberry, and subtle notes of clove and minerality. Fine-grained tannins and lively acidity contribute to a long, elegant finish.

Did you know?

The Mt. Jefferson Cuvée, first introduced in 1994, is Cristom’s flagship Pinot Noir and one of the most consistent representations of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. It has been named in Wine & Spirits Magazine’s Top 100 Wines eleven times in the past twelve years, cementing its reputation for quality and value.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Herb-crusted pork tenderloin: Complements the wine’s red fruit and savory nuances.
  • Grilled salmon with dill and lemon: Enhances the wine’s bright acidity and mineral-driven character.
  • Wild mushroom risotto: Matches the earthy and umami notes of the wine.
  • Aged Gouda or Gruyère: Balances the wine’s vibrant fruit and smooth 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.

James Suckling (JS) : 94 Points (2021)
Pretty notes of mulberries, spiced cherries, cloves and tea leaves. Some mushroom. It’s so silky, supple and delicious with very fine tannins. I like the savory tightness and minerality. Some rusty hints, too. Tight finish. 43% whole cluster. Drink from 2024.

Robert Parker (RP) : 92+ Points (2021)
The 2021 Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir includes 52% estate fruit. It was fermented with 44% whole clusters, and the wine matured in 20% new French oak for 11 months. It opens slowly to reveal aromas of cranberry, red cherry and star anise, plus finer nuances of Earl Grey tea leaves, pipe tobacco and iron. The medium-bodied palate features delicately styled, juicy red fruit framed by softly chalky tannins, and it boasts expansive floral and spice character on the long finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. 11,260 cases were made.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 92 Points (2021)
Warm and generous, Mt. Jeff is Cristom’s appellation wine, drawing largely from estate sources. This 2021 feels precocious, with scents of plum skin and foresty black cherries, a dark clove-like note, and flavors that feel lifted and succulent.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 91 Points (2019)
This is the non-estate, value-priced Pinot from Cristom, and it is always a fine value. The winery style is much in evidence, with minimal intervention, native yeast and a percentage of whole clusters in the ferment. It’s a tight, herbal, steely wine with compact cranberry and wild raspberry fruit at the core. Youthful and fresh, it has a peppery character and green tea highlights in the finishing tannins. Drink now and over the rest of this decade.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 91 Points (2019)
Offers a dynamic core of lively tannin and acidity framed by raspberry and pomegranate flavors that take on black tea and dark spice accents. Drink now.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 92 Points (2018)
Vibrant red currant, boysenberry and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of vanilla, candied flowers and baking spices. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering sappy red and dark berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that deepen and turn sweeter through the midpalate. Delivers solid closing thrust and finishes on a repeating cherry note, with gentle, nicely integrated tannins that add subtle grip. (JR) (8/2020)

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 Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom
Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
RP
95
RP
96
WE
92
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.
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
50,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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