The actual product may vary from the images shown on the website.
Red dry
When founders Paul and Eileen Gerrie purchased the estate in 1992, there was an existing vineyard with tremendous potential planted in the mid-slope of the east facing site. Paul re-named the vineyard Marjorie after his mother and the first single vineyard wine was produced from the 1994 vintage. The vineyard is situated on a gently sloping bench of consistent, moderately deep volcanic soil in the heart of the hillside between the lower slopes of Louise Vineyard and the higher elevation Eileen Vineyard at the crest of the Eola Hills. Marjorie is distinctive at Cristom with lower density plantings, very small, highly concentrated clusters and wide-spacing rows that harken back to the earliest days of Oregon viticulture. First established in 1982 with own-rooted Pinot Noir, the 8.4-acre vineyard has been mostly re-planted now due to Phylloxera but the wines continue to retain the signature concentration, grace, texture and elegance that make this a distinguished site.
Serve at 14-16 °C with wild poultry, roasted duck, peeled duck with potatoes, grilled thin pork ribs with anise, fried tuna.
This has attractive red and blue-floral tones to the nose with fresh blueberry and cassis notes too. So much fragrance here. The palate holds a very plush and fleshy stance with ripe red cherry, dressed in sleek oak spice and tannin. Impressive clarity and depth here. Drink or hold.
The 2018 Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard is a lovely wine, opening slowly to rhubarb, blueberries and cured meats with earthy accents. The palate explodes with unexpected flavor, bowling me over with its concentrated layers of fruit, earth and spice. It has a silky, fresh frame and finishes long and layered. This was made with 48% whole clusters and aged 17 months in 67% new French oak and should age very well in the cellar. 513 cases were made.
Cristom Vineyards is one of the most distinctive names in the Willamette Valley, where respect for nature, classical winemaking philosophy, and a long-term vision come together in perfect balance. Founded in 1992 in Oregon, the estate is located in a region now regarded as one of the world’s finest for Pinot Noir and cool-climate wines.
Here, vineyards are treated as living ecosystems, each with its own microclimate, soil structure, and natural rhythm. From the very beginning, Cristom embraced an organic and biodynamic approach, avoiding aggressive intervention and allowing nature to guide the process. Low yields, meticulous handwork, and careful selection result in wines that clearly express their sense of place.
The winemaking style is rooted in Old World traditions. Fermentation often takes place with native yeasts, whole clusters are used when appropriate, and technology is applied only when necessary to preserve quality. This philosophy produces wines that are alive, expressive, and authentic, rather than polished or formulaic.
Cristom’s greatest pride is its Pinot Noir. These wines combine elegance, structure, and emotional depth. They are never heavy or overripe, but instead refined and layered, with vibrant acidity and a long, graceful finish. Equally important are the estate’s Chardonnays, known for their minerality, freshness, and restrained use of oak.
While Cristom wines are highly enjoyable in their youth, their true potential unfolds with time. They are among the few Oregon wines celebrated for their aging ability and graceful evolution, revealing increasing complexity and harmony over the years.
Today, Cristom Vineyards stands as one of the benchmark producers of the Willamette Valley — a winery that successfully unites European tradition, New World precision, and authentic terroir expression.
