2022 Pinot Noir Louise Vineyard

Considering the challenges of the 2022 vintage, I expected the wines to be a step down from their usual performance or simply lackluster. That was not the case when it came to Cristom Vineyards. Their location in the Eola-Amity Hills, influenced by the cooling effects of the Van Duzer Corridor, was relatively unaffected by frost. However, they still experienced a late flowering, a late harvest season, and an abundant fruit set. Tom Gerrie, owner of Cristom Vineyards, explains, “We dropped more than half the fruit, and we still ended up with yields a touch higher than 2021.” Cristom Vineyards oversees 240 acres spanning from 200 to 800 feet in elevation, with 90 acres planted to vines, all using biodynamic principles. The soils are volcanic in origin, primarily Columbia River basalt. Winemaker Daniel Estrin prefers native, whole-cluster fermentations that average around 50% destemmed fruit, yet it does vary from site to site. New oak is relatively low for the reds, between 20-35%, while the Chardonnays see anywhere from 20% to 78% (in the case of the Royer Vineyard). If I had to describe this portfolio in one word, it would be “classy.” The wines are regal and focused, with a solid core of pure fruit and structure to carry them for years in the cellar.