96pts Jeb Dunnuck

A deeper ruby/magenta color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Eileen Vineyard was aged in 48% new French oak. It offers layered depth in its notes of black raspberries, cherries, orange peel, baking spice, strawberry preserves, violets, mossy earth, and fresh leather. From the highest elevation site at 800 feet, and as Daniel Estrin describes it “born from the wind,” it has floral lift, with concentrated richness and a relatively full-bodied frame. Mouthwatering and stunning now, it will drink well over the next 20 years.

Winemaker Notes

Eileen Vineyard, named after co-founder Eileen Gerrie, is situated at the highest elevation on the original Cristom estate rising to over 735 feet with commanding views of the Cascade Range to the east and the Oregon Coast Range to the west. Perched at the crest of the Eola Hills, Eileen Vineyard is defined by the cold, Pacific Ocean winds and dramatic volcanic soil variation from ancient basalt flows. Among the most geologically complex sites on the farm and Cristom's most wind-swept vines, the fruit from Eileen can be structured, vibrant and persistent.

Winery Notes

Cristom Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery that has established itself as a top producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Eola-Amity Hills district of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Second-generation proprietor Tom Gerrie leads the production team, which includes long time winemaker Steve Doerner and recently arrived vineyard manager & winemaker Daniel Estrin. Each bring experience from working at top Pinot/Chardonnay producers in California: Doerner from Calera and Estrin from Littorai. Tom’s parents, Paul and Eileen Gerrie, founded the winery in 1992.