Cristom hangs its hat on a well-earned reputation for making exceptional Pinot Noir out of Oregon's renowned Willamette Valley. Cristom's first 20 years of finesse and modern innovation originates from the collaboration and shared vision of Founder and Owner Paul Gerrie, Partner and Winemaker Steve Doerner, and Vineyard Manager Mark Feltz. Since 1992 they have been creating terroir driven wines that are both classic and visionary.  

 

     I first tasted the wines of Cristom back in 1996 when Steve brought them by my store in Los Angeles (and instantly knew that they were something special). These Pinot Noirs display a personality and sense of place that is rarely seen with such clarity in domestic wines. While each and every bottling clearly expresses its individuality, all the wines of Cristom have a distinct taste and share a recognizable common identity, seductive fruit flavors, nuanced spicy undertones, and above all, remarkable grace. I have long thought of Cristom as the "DRC of America." (Google "Domaine de la Romanée-Conti" to see the significance.) These wines are extremely limited, so stop by and pick up a bottle of each and taste for yourself why I call this my favorite winery in America.

 

 

 

2009 Mt. Jefferson Cuvee: This wine is regularly rated one of the most popular Pinot Noirs on restaurant wine lists across the country. Made with a blend of grapes from each of the estates vineyards and top quality fruit from neighboring vineyards. This wine is one of the most expansive yet stylistically consistent Pinot Noirs in the world. $33.99

 

2007 Eileen Vineyard: A 15 acre vineyard group of vineyards plots named for Paul Gerrie's wife. This wine is noted for its sweetly spiced fruit and gentle tannins. Eileen offers immediate drinking pleasure. Very Limited $44.99

 

2007 Jessie Vineyard: Named for Paul's paternal grandmother, Jessie is the most diverse of Cristom's vineyards and continues to distinguish itself with a uniqueness and complexity that likely stems from the site's ranging slope and five distinct soil types. Deep rich cherry, dried cranberry, pungent dark earth, wet leaves. I love this wine. $44.99

 

2007 Margorie Vineyard: Named for Paul's mother, the Marjorie Vineyard was originally planted in 1982, making it one of Oregon's older sites. Marjorie has achieved rightful cult status. Marjorie is brighter and displays more red fruit than other vineyards. This wine delivers an intriguing blend of spices, black tea, walnut skin and adorning black cherry fruit. Very Limited $44.99

 

2007 Louise Vineyard: Named after Paul's maternal grandmother, Louise produces a wine that is more firmly structured than the wine from other sites, full of deep, rich notes with silky tannins. This wine is powerfully aromatic, deep, fleshy and savory. $44.99

CHEERS!

~ David, Tami &

The Entire Imbibe Gang