Is this the best Cristom Mt. Jefferson Pinot Noir of all time? I tasted it the other day, and I'm going to say YES. It's the best one I've ever tasted, and I've been enjoying this wine for over 20 years!
Every critic in the world agreed with me -- 95 points Wine Spectator, 94 points Decanter, and 93 points Vinous, Jeb Dunnuck, and Wine Enthusiast. Everyone agrees that this is performing at a very high level, and it's a wine that will elevate your Thanksgiving dinner to new levels.
The view from above Cristom's beautiful Eola-Amity Hills estate vineyards.
I have a strong suspicion this will end up on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2025, and it could very well end up in the top 10 wines of the year. It couldn't happen to a nicer and more quality-minded family-owned estate. For over 40 years, the Gerrie family have made some of Oregon's finest Pinot Noirs, and Cristom's "house style" is very much alive in their 2023 Mt. Jefferson Pinot Noir.
That is a style that can best be characterized as rich yet balanced and complex but immensely drinkable. The Gerrie family always include a healthy amount of whole clusters for their native yeast fermentations, and they seem to have mastered this technique, which when applied properly adds stunningly complex earthy and woodsy spice elements to their Pinot Noir(s).
In this wonderful Willamette Valley vintage, the combination of great growing conditions and masterful winemaking came together to create a majestic wine. The fruit is perfectly ripe and the savory "stuff" is totally integrated to create a seamless drinking experience. Look for notes of ripe cherry, plum, dried flowers, complex and exotic spices, and forest floor notes in this long and satisfying Pinot.
It all adds up to a very satisfying glass of wine, and just in case you need a few more opinions.....
Wine Spectator - 95 points - "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."
Vinous Media - 93 points - "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."
All in all, this is outstanding Oregon Pinot Noir from one of the state's pioneering and iconic estates, and our pricing is competitive on a national level. Shop local, save big!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
