Cristom - Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2022
Price: $56.99
Sale Price: $45.99
| Producer | Cristom |
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| Country | United States |
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| Region | Oregon |
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| Subregion | Willamette Valley |
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| Varietal | Chardonnay |
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| Vintage | 2022 |
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| Sku | 19754 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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CRISTOM is one of the truly iconic wineries of the Eola-Amity Hills, a sub-appellation of the Willamette Valley proper, and was founded over 30 years ago by owner Paul Gerrie. This region has two defining characteristics that make it of especial note: One, a very westerly location in the greater region, which provides closer proximity to the cool maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean, and Two, a collection of fascinating volcanic soils that permit for excellent drainage of moisture, encouraging vines to send their roots deeper into the subsoils where a host of minerals can be found, which in turn leads to great complexity in the resulting wines.
Pinot Noir is of course King here, as it is throughout the Willamette Valley, but what's the white grape of Burgundy we all chase after? Yup, it's Chardonnay, and this wine is an assemblage of this noble grape sourced from eight different vineyards of outstanding character from the region. The wine is whole cluster pressed, aged 11 months on its lees in oak barrels initially, then completes in stainless steel to preserve freshness and acidity. The aromas and flavors comingle classic Chardonnay apple and pear, but are supplemented by beautiful floral and citrus notes, on a frame that is at once both ample and delineated.
Many vignerons from France have invested much in Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley, and for good reason - give this small production beauty a try and see just why!
Decanter: 94 Points
"From eight different sites in the Eola Amity Hills, winemaker Daniel Estrin learned how to make Chardonnay from Litorrai's Ted Lemon. Paul Gerrie makes up the bulk of this wine with Eileen and Louise. 100% barrel fermented Estrin uses a tactile approach to the lees inclusion in this wine. At the entry-level, this wine is still over-vintaged, which builds tension in the wine. Notes of tarragon and chipped flint frame the smoky grilled lemon aromatics. Stony flint streaks introduce the palate, green mangoes, and grilled lemon peel. Delicious and a tad unbelievable as their entry-level bottling."
Jeb Dunnuck: 93 Points
Fruit from eight different vineyards goes into this bottling. A bright medium yellow hue, the 2022 Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills is elegant, with a juicy, decadent feel to its notes of sweet oak spice, delicate, floral perfume, wet stone, and fresh white peach. Refreshing and mouthwatering, it’s medium-bodied and crisp, with good ripeness of acidity and a clean, elegant finish. It’s going to age well over the coming 6-8 years.
James Suckling: 93 Points
Plenty of golden apples, lemon zest, sweet spices and toasted brioche on the nose. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity. Well-driven and precise, with a vibrant core of fresh lemons lifting the mid-palate and a focused, juicy finish.
Vinous Media: 91 Points
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