2018 - Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir, Cristom, Willamette Valley

The 2018 Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir is composed of 63% estate fruit. It was fermented with 46% whole clusters, and the wine matured for 11 months in 21% new French oak. Touches of flint on the nose give way to rhubarb, blueberry and orange peel, plus finer accents of tobacco, star anise, autumn leaves and Angostura bitters. The medium-bodied palate is still very youthful, bursting with layers of spicy berry fruit. It has powerful, grainy tannins, energetic acidity and a long, latent finish. It will be long lived in bottle. 10,200 cases were made.

Vivid ruby. Vibrant red currant, boysenberry and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of vanilla, candied flowers and baking spices. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering sappy red and dark berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that deepen and turn sweeter through the midpalate. Delivers solid closing thrust and finishes on a repeating cherry note, with gentle, nicely integrated tannins that add subtle grip.