CRISTOM VINEYARDS
WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON 2022
Why Buy: Folks, listen up: when I say you need these in your life, I'm not exaggerating in the slightest. This is absolutely extraordinary winemaking, and among the finest Pinot Noir we've been privileged to taste in YEARS — and truly, as great as the scores from the critics are (a 98-pointer, two 97-pointers, and two 96 pointers), they only just hint at the greatness and majesty on display. All 5 are single vineyard expressions, sourced from steep elevations and singing full-throatedly of their terroir, and all are crafted with such loving attention to detail (hand-harvesting of grapes; natural, whole-cluster fermentations; minimal intervention in the cellar) that each will stay with you long, long after you've finished the bottle.
Value Proposition: And folks, every bottle is literally a fraction of what you could expect to pay for a comparably-acclaimed Burgundy.
What They're Saying: Jeb Dunnuck gushed over all five. He awarded 98 points to the Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022, praising its "lifted, savory, and deep aromatics, with an almost Nebbiolo-like structure." Not far behind were the Eileen and Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noirs, both of which earned 97 points. Dunnuck describes the Eileen as "layered" and "woodsy," with notes of "savory saline, brothy feel, tea leaf, toasted spice, and black cherries," recommending it for the next 15-20 years, while the Marjorie impresses with its "plenty of purity" and "fantastic, savory finish, with ripe tannins and even acidity." Rounding out this stellar lineup are the Jessie and Louise Vineyard Pinot Noirs. The 96-point Jessie, from Cristom's steepest vineyard, offers an "elegant floral perfume of ripe berries" with a "supple" texture, while the Louise, another 96-pointer, boasts a "chiseled structure, with fine compact tannins, a refreshing lift, and a long finish."
Our Tasting Notes: Tasting through these five wines is like taking a grand tour of Cristom's idyllic estate, each bottle a window into its unique terroir. The Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir is a revelation, with its deep, brooding aromatics that do, indeed, call to mind a great and noble Barolo. It's a wine that unfolds its secrets in rich layer after layer with each sip. The Eileen and Marjorie are studies in contrast — the Eileen more savory and earthy, while the Marjorie sings with pure fruit and floral notes. Both showcase the masterful balance Cristom achieves between power and elegance. The Jessie is perhaps the most immediately approachable, its floral notes and silky texture seducing from the first sip, while the Louise impresses with its structural integrity and promise of long aging potential. What strikes me most about all five wines is their clarity of expression — these are wines that speak eloquently of place, of the meticulous care in the vineyards, and of the gentle hand in the winery.
The Story: For three decades, Cristom has stood as a model of uncompromising, passionate, and thoughtful winemaking. Founded in 1992 by Paul and Eileen Gerrie, who saw the potential in a neglected estate in the Eola-Amity Hills, a singular vision has guided every decision. And that vision? To craft wines that truly express their distinctive terroir. The Gerries named their single vineyards after family matriarchs, a touching tribute that underscores the deeply personal nature of their winemaking philosophy. What sets Cristom apart is not just their commitment to quality, but their forward-thinking approach to viticulture. They were early adopters of high-density planting in Oregon, a technique that forces vines to compete, resulting in lower yields but more concentrated, complex fruit. Their vineyards, rising from 200 to 800 feet above sea level, capture the full spectrum of the Eola-Amity Hills terroir, from wind-swept hilltops to sheltered slopes. Perhaps most emblematic of Cristom's philosophy is the Paul Gerrie Vineyard. Planted in 2014 and named for the founder, it represents the culmination of decades of learning and experimentation. This vineyard combines some of the most prized aspects of the estate -- deep volcanic soils, exposure to the cooling winds from the Van Duzer Corridor, and high elevation — into a single, remarkable site.
The Specs: Each of Cristom's single vineyard Pinot Noirs is a study in precision viticulture and winemaking. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, with a significant portion of whole clusters included in the fermentation — a technique that adds structure and complexity. Fermentation occurs naturally, with native yeasts, in small lots. The wines are then aged in French oak barrels, with the percentage of new oak carefully calibrated for each vineyard to enhance rather than overwhelm the wine's natural character. Minimal intervention is the key, allowing each vineyard's unique voice to shine through.
Fun Fact: The Van Duzer Corridor, a gap in Oregon's Coast Range that funnels cool air from the Pacific Ocean, plays a crucial role in shaping the character of Cristom's wines. This natural air-conditioning system moderates temperatures during the growing season, allowing for the long, slow ripening that's essential for developing complex flavors while maintaining crucial acidity.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured – your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, February 13th, 2025.