The Cristom Story

The development of Cristom Vineyards is the result of a twenty-plus-year collaboration between an engineer, a winemaker and a farmer – who are, first and foremost, stewards of the land.  Founder Paul Gerrie hired Cristom’s winemaker Steve Doerner and Vineyard Manager Mark Feltz in 1992. Together at the winery since day one, they have consistently produced masterful and expressive Pinot Noirs.

The four estate Pinot Noir vineyards – Eileen, Jessie, Louise and Marjorie – are named for Gerrie family matriarchs. Each single vineyard has its own natural variances in soil, elevation and exposition, and Steve strives to craft wines that are an honest recording of both the vineyard and vintage.  While we are widely recognized for our single vineyard wines, nowhere is Steve’s gift for blending more apparent than in our hallmark Pinot Noir cuvées, Mt. Jefferson Cuvée and Sommers Reserve.

Our winegrowing philosophy begins with respect for our land and estate vines, and the natural process of fermentation.  The vineyards and winery are Certified Sustainable by Low Input Viticulture & Enology (LIVE) and are thoughtfully and meticulously farmed with a focus on quality.  With minimal intervention during the winemaking process, Steve guides the wines from vineyard to bottle, producing the ultimate expressions of the stellar fruit Mark grows every vintage.

The story of the Cristom estate is continuing to grow and evolve as we began planting a fifth single vineyard in 2014 named after our founder, Paul. A spectacular east-facing site in the Eola Hills, Paul Vineyard will help Cristom to become one of the greatest wine estates in the world.

Wines at Cristom Vineyards

Winery:
Cristom Vineyards
Vintage:
2013
Origin:
Oregon, Willamette Valley
Tasting Notes:
Spice, Dark Berries, Pomegranate, Lush Tannins, Velvety
Food Pairing:
Charcuterie, Cheese, Vegetables, Salmon, Turkey
Enjoyment Factor:
Slightly chilled (60-65 degrees)
Price:
$$$$$
Our Rating:
Winery:
Cristom Vineyards
Vintage:
2013
Origin:
Oregon, Willamette Valley
Tasting Notes:
Floral, Rose Petal, Spice, Raspberry, Red Fruits, Well Structured Tannins
Food Pairing:
Cheese, Fish, Pasta, Pizza, Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Roasted Meat
Enjoyment Factor:
Lightly chilled (50-55 degrees)
Price:
$$$$$
Our Rating:
Winery:
Cristom Vineyards
Vintage:
2013
Origin:
Oregon, Willamette Valley
Tasting Notes:
Cola, Black Fruit, Cherry, Dark Berries, Jammy, Black Pepper, Rose Petal, Well Structured Tannins
Food Pairing:
Pizza, Poultry, Vegetables, Fresh Cheeses, Salmon
Enjoyment Factor:
Lightly chilled (50-55 degrees)
Price:
$$$$$
Our Rating:
Winery:
Cristom Vineyards
Vintage:
2013
Origin:
Oregon, Willamette Valley
Tasting Notes:
Creamy, Layered Texture, Soft and Luscious, Sweet Spice
Food Pairing:
Asian, Vegetables, Cheese (Light), Salmon, Smoked Meat
Enjoyment Factor:
Slightly chilled (60-65 degrees)
Price:
$$$$$
Our Rating:
Winery:
Cristom Vineyards
Vintage:
2015
Origin:
Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Tasting Notes:
Floral, Apple, Citrus Notes, Lemon Zest, Lime, Bright Acidity, Creamy
Food Pairing:
Asian, Fish, Summer Salad
Enjoyment Factor:
Chilled to 45 degrees
Price:
$$$$$
Our Rating:

Winery Information

Cristom Vineyards, Spring Valley Road Northwest, Salem, OR, United States