One of the premier producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, Cristom Vineyards has been on the world stage, particularly for their single vineyard Pinot Noir bottlings that you can find at some top New York Michelin Star restaurants. While Cristom has made their name in Pinot Noir, they also craft some incredible single vineyard Chardonnay bottlings. The new wines I tried were all from the 2021 vintage, one that had consistently warm weather during the summer. Check out their entry level 2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is a steal considering the weight and flavor density this packs. I love the 2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which shows these wonderful stony and flinty tones from this acclaimed site. Check out more about these outstanding wines at https://www.cristomvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new releases by Cristom.
2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay- Coming from a host of great vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, this 2021 Chardonnay opens with salted cashew nut with peach and stony undertones on the nose. The palate is soft and is filled with lemon zest, brioche and wonderful tension that frames this outstanding value. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 93
2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The exceedingly good 2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a stunning effort from this warm vintage in the Willamette Valley. Chardonnay was planted in the lower part of this site which was first planted back in 1993. It is nicely concentrated but also very nicely poised. Kumquat rind, Japanese pear and honeydew melon flavors combine with shades of hazelnut topped shortbread on the palate. Only 100 cases made of this brilliant Chardonnay. Drink 2023-2035- 95
2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The famed ‘Seven Springs Vineyard; was founded back in 1982 as this site is set on ancient volcanic soils. This is a very nervy and tension-filled Chardonnay once on the mouth, showing a delicious set of melon and citrus fruits. With more air the stony and flinty tones become more evident as this is drinking beautifully right now and will surely provide drinking enjoyment for another decade or more. Drink 2023-2035- 95
2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Royer Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The ‘Royer Vineyard’ is located southwest edge of the Eola Hills. This 15 acre site is planted to Riesling and Chardonnay. This 2021 Chardonnay is a deep and concentrated wine that is irresistible in its youth. Heady, and laden with its core of starfruit, Pink Lady apple and baking spice and buttered French bread flavors, it is a stellar wine to consume right now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 95