Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is a complex, high-elevation natural expression crafted by Cristom Vineyards. Sourced from the windswept Eileen Vineyard perched at the crest of the Eola Hills, the grapes grow in volcanic basalt soils and benefit from cold Pacific Ocean air drafts. Fermented with native yeasts and about 46% whole clusters, the wine ages for 18 months in French oak barrels (34% new) and is bottled unfined and unfiltered. In the glass, it features expressive aromatics of sour cherry, bright red raspberry, violet petals, baking spices, and crushed wet rock. The palate is focused, vibrant, and structured, offering crunchy red fruits balanced by lively acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a long, savory, white pepper finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with duck breast, roasted pork tenderloin, grilled salmon, pan-seared pheasant, wild mushroom risotto, and mild semi-hard cheeses.

95 Points - James Suckling