2024 Cristom - Pinot Noir Mt. Jefferson Cuvee (750ml)
2024 Cristom Pinot Noir Mt. Jefferson Cuvee (750ml)
Cristom Vineyards, founded in 1992 by the Gerrie family, sits on an east-facing volcanic hillside in the Eola-Amity Hills and remains family-owned with a commitment to biodynamic and organic farming. The estate’s philosophy centers on traditional winemaking—low yields, native yeast fermentation, and generous whole cluster inclusion—to let each site express itself with intensity and length rather than polish for its own sake. Mt. Jeff, as it’s known colloquially, is Cristom’s flagship Pinot Noir and the 2024 vintage marks a milestone as the wine’s thirtieth anniversary release, the first time the blend has been made entirely from estate-grown fruit.
The 2024 Mt. Jefferson Cuvee draws on four of Cristom’s five vineyards—Louise, Jessie, Eileen, and Paul Gerrie—capturing the diversity of volcanic soils and elevations across the property. Coastal winds funneling through the Van Duzer Corridor add further definition to the wine’s profile. Fermentation included a substantial portion of whole clusters, followed by eleven months in French oak, with only a small share of it new.
Tasting notes
- Pronounced floral aromas of rose and lavender layered with blue fruit and plum, with subtle forest-floor undertones.
- On the palate, the wine is well balanced and energetic, with fresh acidity carrying tart cherry and raspberry through to a silky, savory finish.
Wine details
- Estate-grown fruit contribution (first time for this blend)
- Four vineyards represented: Louise, Jessie, Eileen, Paul Gerrie
- East-facing volcanic hillside site in the Eola-Amity Hills
- Biodynamic and organic farming practices
- Traditional winemaking with native yeast fermentation
- Substantial whole cluster inclusion
- Eleven months aging in French oak, with only a small share new
- Coastal winds from the Van Duzer Corridor shaping definition
Food pairings
- Roast duck
- Grilled lamb
- Mushroom and thyme tart