A very spicy and fresh array of blueberries, ripe darker cherries and plums. Cassis aromas, too, as well as more savory notes of graphite and fragrant wood. The palate has very striking depth and presence with expansive, fleshy tannins carrying intense fruit flavors, in the darker spectrum of cherries and berries. Cocoa powder to close. Drink or hold.

The 2018 Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir is the first iteration labeled with the Eola-Amity Hills appellation. Proprietor Tom Gerrie is still developing new vineyards at Cristom, and he hopes to source at least 80% of the fruit for this bottling from the estate in the future. This vintage contains about 60% estate fruit; it was made with 46% whole cluster and aged 11 months in 21% new French oak. It has a medium ruby color and savory aromas of cured meats and tar, layered with blackberries, rhubarb and licorice hints. The palate is light-bodied, firm and fresh with earth-laced fruits and a perfumed finish. Cristom's largest cuvée, the Mt. Jefferson overdelivers at this price point. - Erin Brooks