At a glance

Producer

Cristom Vineyards

Region

Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$70-$90

Tasting profile

Red cherry, raspberry, earth, subtle spice, forest floor notes

Evolution: Fruit will develop more complexity with secondary notes of mushroom, leather, and truffle

At peak: Expressive complexity, silky tannins, well-integrated acidity

Structure

Acidity

High, vibrant and refreshing

Tannins

Medium-high, fine-grained

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

Good potential for 10-15 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2051

Optimal window

2024 to 2054

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Fully bottled and integrating; tannins still present but smoothing

Cristom's Jessie Vineyard is renowned for producing structured, terroir-driven Pinot Noir with natural balance and depth. The 2019 vintage shows classic vibrancy and fine tannin structure that allow it to gracefully evolve over a decade. Peak drinking from mid to late maturity helps experience both primary fruit and developed secondary aromatics.

Food pairing

Roasted duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, game birds, aged cheeses

Serving

Serving temperature

15-17°C / 59-63°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — Opens up floral and spice notes and softens youthful tannins

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Cristom Vineyards employs sustainable viticulture practices including dry farming, composting, cover crops, minimal intervention winemaking, and renewable energy sources at the winery. They focus on biodiversity enhancement and soil health.

Cristom is a leader in sustainable and organic practices in Oregon, certified organically and practicing biodynamics on much of their estate vineyards including Jessie Vineyard. Their comprehensive environmental stewardship includes water conservation, energy efficiency, soil health, and limiting chemical use, supporting strong sustainability credentials.