From a heterogeneous though largely eastern-exposed sector – the upper reaches of which, near the woods, are shaded by late afternoon, and which represents the first planting by Paul Gerrie and hence the estate’s oldest...
From a heterogeneous though largely eastern-exposed sector – the upper reaches of which, near the woods, are shaded by late afternoon, and which represents the first planting by Paul Gerrie and hence the estate’s oldest halfway high-density vines – Cristom’s 2009 Pinot Noir Louise Vineyard evinces an enveloping blue fruit richness underlain by a complimentary suggestion of wet stone. Polished in texture, and with admirably juicy, subtly soothing persistence, for now at least, this lacks the floral perfume, carnal savor, or dynamics that are so winsome a part of this collection’s other Pinots. Perhaps it simply needs time: surely I can’t imagine it fading for at least a decade. - David Schildknecht