Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Marjorie Vineyard is one of the named sites Cristom farms in the Eola-Amity Hills of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Founded in 1992 and run by Paul Gerrie, winemaker Steve Doerner and grower Mark Feltz, the estate holds LIVE certification, farms sustainably and makes wine with minimal intervention. The Willamette Valley is a cool, marginal climate for Pinot Noir, with a long, even growing season that ripens the grape slowly and keeps natural acidity high; the Eola-Amity Hills add afternoon winds funnelled through the Van Duzer corridor that cool the vines and concentrate the fruit. The volcanic and marine sedimentary soils give a fine, mineral structure. At 12.5 percent this is a restrained, elegant style. Whole cluster fermentation with native yeasts and barrel ageing add savoury, spiced complexity and integrate the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange. The colour is bright, translucent red. The nose shows red cherry and raspberry with forest floor, dried herbs and a touch of vanilla and pepper. The palate is medium bodied and silky, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a long, savoury, earthy finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees in a large bowled glass. It suits roast duck, game birds and mushroom dishes.