TN: 2000 Cristom Reserve Pinot Noir - Oregon

[Gianna..]

I've had these in the cellar for a few years and have been looking forward to trying them.

Color was a crystal clear, crimson ruby red, lovely to look at.
The nose was all perfume. Roses and redcurrants, strawberries with hints of chocolate and vanilla and peppery spices. Powerful.

This was a very elegant and stylish pinot. Smooth and silky, it coated the tongue with layers of fruit filled flavour. A good, balanced use of oak that did not overpower the fruit. Fine, dusty tannins and a full spectrum of cherry flavours, liquorice and "mild" spice. It just drank so well, it was difficult to put it down.
A very long aftertaste that lasted for minutes.

I find that Oregon Pinots are more refined and smoother than Aussie or NZ pinots, which tend to have too much punch and spice and not enough fruit flavour. With the AUD appreciating against the USD, the QPR is improving. Current vintage is about $80. A little expensive, but a damn enjoyable drop. 91 Pts

I think this wine is at its peak now and will drink very well for another 2 years. If you have some, drink up. I have been steadily building up my stocks of Oregon pinots and would be interested if anybody has some comments about some wines they may have tried. Particularly the Domaine Serene or Ponzi.

[Guest]

I too find Oregon Pinots softer in style, I believe that can be attributed to the acid profiles of the wines, ie. reduced acidity. Not to mention the inherrent differences in the Oregon and Australian (Pinot growing) climates, certain areas of NZ spare more of homoclimatic specificites. Addtional to this, there is also quite a variance in clones available, in Aus and US as least.

As a side, bang for buck Oregon whites go to Lemelson 03's. If perchance you can lay your hands on any of the very limited release of any of these wines, they (hopefully) won't dissappoint.