2021 Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley

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.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "A deep saturated ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Eileen Vineyard is more aromatically reserved initially but opens in the glass to emerging notes of rocky earth, ripe black and blue fruit, and wild herbs. It already displays a tension aromatically that carries over to the palate, where the wine is full-bodied, with a weightless feel, ripe, well-structured tannins, and a tension-packed, ripe core. It has a nervous energy at this stage that bodes well for significant aging potential over the next 15 to 20 years. It’s a remarkable wine that demands aging time."


Vinous - "Deeply seductive, the 2021 Pinot Noir Eileen Vineyard opens with a burst of mentholated herbs, licorice and sweet autumnal spices. Juicy and broad upon entry, this envelopes the palate with ripe red and hints of blue fruit, giving way to suggestions of cola and lavender. Its mineral core comes forward through the finish, gaining tension through a blend of fine tannins and residual acids as spice and floral notes resonate throughout. The Eileen Vineyard is refined using 46% whole clusters and 34% new French oak barrels for eighteen months."


Wine Enthusiast - "This is my favorite Eileen since Dexys Midnight Runners. It fills the air with pretty aromas of bright red raspberries, violets and talc. It is superbly balanced with a buoyant mouthfeel and flavors like white peaches, raspberries, black tea and wet rocks. Come on Eileen, one more sip."