One of our favorite offerings of the year...already!
Happy New Year Oregon Pinot fans!
We're kicking off 2017 with a bold prediction: this will be, by far, one of our favorite wine offerings of the year. Too early, too unbelievable?
We are that enthusiastic!
Consider the story: Steve Doerner, winemaker at Cristom and one of Oregon's most respected vintners, bottles enough of his personal label, Luke Jefferson, for us to offer. It is exceptional to the point that we include it in our 2016 Oregon Pinot Collector's Case. Then it receives an outstanding review from our favorite Oregon wine critic.
If you drink and/or collect Oregon Pinot noir, this is an absolute must-have. Begin your year the right way -- treat yourself to this gem.
Luke Jefferson The Head and the Heart Pinot noir 2014$58.45 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order ($64.95 regular)
94 points Vinous, Josh Raynolds: "Brilliant red. Sexy, highly perfumed red and dark berry liqueur, potpourri and Asian spice scents are complemented by a bright mineral top note. Silky, penetrating black raspberry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors show a suave blend of depth and vivacity, while a core of juicy acidity adds spine and structure. Displays a deft blend of power and finesse on an impressively long, floral-tinged finish, which leaves behind subtle hints of cola and star anise."
Luke Jefferson is a thrilling new project from Steve Doerner, winemaker for Cristom, and his wife Irene Steh-Doerner. Named partly for their son, Luke, and partly for Thomas Jefferson (and perhaps just a tiny bit for Luke Skywalker). Invigorating to The Head, with its deeply attractive and complex aromatics, fundamental to The Heart with its power to take hold of the moment. Drinking beautifully already, with the structure and balance to see its tenth birthday in fine form.
"The Head and the Heart bottling pays homage to Thomas Jefferson, whose thoughtful dialogue contrasts reason and emotion. We hope this wine will also spark one's intellect as well as passion, whether enjoyed with a boisterous crowd, an intimate gathering or quietly alone.
Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Eola-Amity Hills, our tiny 2.5 acre Pinot noir vineyard was planted in 2000 to five clones. With a strong belief that traditional handling techniques result in the most complexity, the wine was bottled unfiltered." - Steve and Irene
Check out Steve's handiwork on our favorite of Cristom's 2014 Pinots:
Cristom Eileen Pinot noir 2014
$53.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order ($59.95 regular)
94 points Vinous, Josh Raynolds: "Highly fragrant, expansive scents of ripe red berries, Asian spices, blood orange and candied rose; a smoky mineral element builds in the glass. Silky and seamless in texture, offering palate-staining raspberry and floral pastille flavors that show a striking interplay of depth and vivacity. Closes sweet, gently tannic and impressively long, delivering lingering notes of emphatic red berry, spice and floral pastille."