Here’s the 11th installment of The Wine Chef’s December “Advent Calendar” wine series.
Cristom Vineyards Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019
Cristom Vineyards is one of my favorite producers of Oregon Pinot Noir, and for good reason. Their wines embody purity of fruit, complexity, and elegance, putting them in a league of their own. With as many as six different Pinot Noirs crafted each year, it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite.
That said, Cristom’s Eileen Vineyard holds a special place in my heart. The Vineyard, named after co-founder Eileen Gerrie, is situated at the highest elevation on the original property, with commanding views of the Cascade Range to the east and the Coastal Range to the west. From where it sits at the crest of the Eola Hills, Eileen Vineyard is defined by the cold Pacific Ocean winds more than any other of Cristom’s vineyards.
The 2019 (about $90) is a beautifully interwoven tapestry of flavors. Think deep, rich cherry, dried cranberry, earthy tones of wet leaves, and dark soil, with subtle hints of grenadine threading through. The texture is sublimely silky, with nothing overt—no dominant oak or alcohol—just finesse.
Eileen Vineyard captures everything I love about Pinot Noir in one stunning bottle.
This Article was originally published on The Wine Chef
