Cristom Vineyards Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir 2023
(Willamette Valley, Oregon) - [WS 95, #11 Top 100 of '25] [JS 95] [DM 94] [VM 93] [JD 93] [WE 93] [WA 92]

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About the Winery:
Cristom Vineyards was established in 1992 by the Gerrie family to grow and craft distinguished wines of place that honor individual sites and traditional techniques. Family-owned for over thirty years, we remain stewards of our east-facing volcanic hillside in the Eola-Amity Hills focused on growing benchmark Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Bringing together biodynamic and organic farming methods, we farm the land with the next 100-years in mind. Our winegrowing centers on the philosophy that the greatest expression of terroir produces the finest wines. The cornerstone of our winemaking is rooted in traditional methods – site selection, low yields, whole-cluster fermentation and native yeasts – to produce balanced, dynamic wines of intensity, structure and length.

We think in terms of centuries at Cristom and are led by a commitment of what this land and company will be one-hundred-years from now. The decisions we make on a daily basis are guided by the belief that we are working toward something bigger than ourselves and the value and outcome of our work is going to last beyond our own lifetimes. Cristom seeks to build an enduring brand known first for a special piece of winegrowing land that sustains far beyond a human working lifetime. Our wines are a product of a number of uniquely driven individual lifetimes and interpretations of land, craftsmanship governed by a handful of values and principles carefully nurtured over time.

About the Wine:
Mt. Jefferson Cuvee is a blend of the Cristom estate Pinot Noir vineyards along with exceptional fruit we source from neighboring vineyards in the Willamette Valley. These vineyard sites have been thoughtfully selected over the years, and are planted on a variety of soil types, elevations and aspects, representing the Willamette Valley Appellation as a broader whole. These vineyards are farmed by committed winegrowers we are proud to partner with, with each site adding to the character, fruit, and structure of the wine, giving Mt. Jeff its deserved reputation as one of the most stylistically consistent Pinot Noirs in the world. After multiple tastings of every lot of the vintage, it is the Mt. Jeff blend that our winemaker crafts first. Whole-cluster fermentations by native yeast and extended aging in French oak are the hallmarks of the Cristom winemaking style. This wine ages in barrel for twelve months, and can stylistically be the most fresh and approachable of the Cristom Pinot Noirs in its youth.

Winemaking:
45% whole cluster and native yeast fermentations. Aged 11 months in 26% new French oak barrels. Unfined, unfiltered. 13.5% ABV

Tasting Notes:
A fresh, wild, and savory expression with vibrant acidity and an elegant structure. Earth-laced fruit aromas of blackberry bramble, dark cherry, and huckleberry seamlessly intertwine with savory hints of curry leaves and lobster mushrooms, accented by subtle notes of dried orange peel and baking spices. Earthy and floral elements—forest floor, conifer needles, and rose hips—carry through to the palate, beautifully integrated with effusive raspberry and cherry notes, leading to a long, spicy finish.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points & Rank #11 Top 100 of 2025 - Wine Spectator:
"This impressive Pinot is polished and detailed, offering dynamic flavors of raspberry and blueberry, with mineral and brown baking spice hints that build richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2035." - Tim Fish (Nov 2025)

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Very firm, focused and concentrated, showing pure black cherries and blackcurrants on a lively frame of nervy acidity and moderate tannins. Mouthwatering acidity, with fruit expanding on the palate and spices like cloves and cinnamon developing. Drink now or hold." (Mar 2025)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"This is 77% estate fruit, in the 2023 vintage of Mt Jefferson (up from 64% in the 2021 vintage); it's no average blend. The winemaking team says that some impressive barrels make it to this bottle. ‘We make all of our wines to be vineyard designates, and many of those wines make it to this cuvée,’ says winemaker Daniel Estrin. Aromatically alluring with red fruits, spicy clove and savoury whisps of mint. The palate shows ample texture, tannin and great pops of fruit, red berries, and blood orange press across the palate, trailing savoury herbs and spice." - Clive Pursehouse (May 2025)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2023 Pinot Noir Mt. Jefferson Cuvée blends dusty rose, licorice and orange-tinged wild strawberries. Soothingly round and pure in style, it offers crisp red berry fruits and mineral tones complemented by pretty inner florals. Gently tannic and long, the palate leaves a pleasantly chewy sensation and finishes with a tart cranberry twang. As of 2023, the Mt. Jefferson Cuvée uses 77% estate fruit. It is a fantastic value." - Eric Guido (Jul 2025)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2023 Pinot Noir Mt. Jefferson Cuvee is 77% estate fruit, sourced from 250 to 800 feet in elevation. It captures the character of the Eola-Amity Hills in this vintage, overdelivering with notes of ripe cherries, leather, dark spices, and stony persistence. The tannins are ripe and chalky, the acidity is balanced, and the length is notable. Tasted twice, the palate has a plush texture and a graceful yet warming feel. This is the calling card of the estate and a great value. Drink 2025-2035. - Audrey Frick (Aug 2025)

93 Points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
"Mt. Jefferson erupts with aromas of blackberries, lavender, portobello mushrooms and new cedar chest drawers. The cuvée's tannins, firm but not grippy, provide ample support for its mulberry, cranberry and orange zest flavors. A brisk bit of acidity is the Bing cherry on top. Try the Mt. Jeff with a roasted chicken breast with a balsamic glaze. Drink now until 2038." - Michael Alberty (Oct 2025)

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"A blend from a dozen different vineyards, the 2023 Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir comes primarily from estate fruit, plus 23% purchased fruit. It was fermented with 45% whole clusters and matured for 11 months in 26% new French oak. It has savory aromas of olives, tobacco, mushroom and forest floor over a core of red and black cherry and berry fruit. The medium-bodied palate is expressive and detailed with fine, chalky tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, spicy finish." - Erin Brooks (Nov 2025)