Stylish, precise, elegant and evocative, the Jessie may be the best of an excellent single-vineyard lineup from Cristom in 2009. Light toast rims deep black-fruit flavors, with excellent concentration. The lengthy finish brings in streaks of espresso and clean earth. This has the balance and detail to reward significant cellaring.
— P.G.
(6/1/2012)
This is classic Oregon Pinot Noir at its most svelte and stylish. Fresh and clean upon entry, it showcases its raspberry and cherry fruit in a delicate wrap of leaf and bark. The tannins are in perfect proportion; the finish is complex and intriguing.
— P.G.
(6/1/2012)
About 22% of the fruit is from the Celilo vineyard in Washington, hence the dual appellation. Despite the carpetbagger grapes, or maybe because of them, this is superb wine. Intense, ripe and concentrated with a beautiful blend of citrus and mineral elements. The finish, which adds nuts and smoke to the above, is a dead ringer for good French Chablis, and the…
— P.G.
(11/1/2001)
High density plantings, select clones, native yeasts—Steve Doerner is as dedicated a winemaker as you will ever meet. This wine validates his efforts; it’s a delicious, textural, varied and satisfying effort. The wine plays with the palate, offering layers of stone, fruit, acid, herb, spice and skin that mix and mingle easily.
— P.G.
(2/1/2006)
Lovely, lemony jasmine-tea scents and flavors abound in this delicate yet penetrating wine. Clean and fresh, it adds highlights of citrus rind without a trace of bitterness. Pure elegance.
— P.G.
(6/1/2012)
This barrel-fermented estate wine is luscious and creamy, coating the palate with generous flavors of apricot, peach and melon. The concentration is impressive, as are the barrel flavors on the finish. Vanilla, coconut, caramel and lightly buttered almonds all contribute to the nuanced detail.
— P.G.
(6/1/2012)
Earth and cola notes accent a true Burgundian nose of rustic raspberry and herbs. This is a stylish, reserved wine—one that sits nicely on the palate and glides down smooth while still holding its cards tight to the vest. It should blossom and soften in about three or four years; now it has everything going for it.
— M.S.
(12/1/2000)
Cristom’s 2003 reserve is a blend of grapes from nine different vineyards. Supple and concentrated, it beautifully mixes raspberry, blackberry and cherry flavors with hints of earth and chewy, tea-leaf tannins. Excellent grip, weight and length; slowly but surely some pretty mocha flavors suffuse the finish.
— P.G.
(5/1/2006)