Pinot Noir Mount Jefferson, Cristom Vineyards 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.

52% estate fruit from Eileen, Jessie, Louise, Marjorie and Paul Gerrie vineyards with the remaining 48% sourced from 22 different vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills. All fruit was hand-harvested. 44% whole-cluster fermented. 100% ambient-yeast fermentations. 1–3 punchdowns daily with occasional pumpovers in 1.5- to 7-ton open-top fermenters. Matured 11 months in 20% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. TA 5.9 g/l, pH 3.51.Pale purple turning to ruby. Vibrant nose with black and red fruit, violets and a forest-floor earthiness. The palate is still coiled tight with racy acidity, fine tannin and a pleasing spicy whole-bunch character. Less concentration than the 2022 Mt Jefferson but very pleasing with a lengthy fresh finish. (SCJ)