The caliber of the 2019 Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir, Cristom's largest-production SKU, is impressive this vintage. Medium ruby-purple, it features savory cranberry sauce, orange peel and tar aromas with tones of dried flowers and spice. The medium-bodied palate offers the pleasing, gently grippy tannins and bright freshness characteristic of Cristom's generous whole-cluster inclusion, and it finishes with intense, layered fruits and floral accents.

Brilliant ruby-red. Spice-accented red and blue fruits, candied rose and baking spices on the fragrant nose. An undercurrent of juicy acidity supports spice-tinged black raspberry, bitter cherry and boysenberry flavors that turn sweeter with air. Shows fine clarity on the persistent, red-fruit-driven finish, which is framed by well-knit, slowly building tannins. 40% whole clusters and 31% new French oak. -- Josh Raynolds

This is the non-estate, value-priced Pinot from Cristom, and it is always a fine value. The winery style is much in evidence, with minimal intervention, native yeast and a percentage of whole clusters in the ferment. It's a tight, herbal, steely wine with compact cranberry and wild raspberry fruit at the core. Youthful and fresh, it has a peppery character and green tea highlights in the finishing tannins. Drink now and over the rest of this decade. PAUL GREGUTT