Located at the highest point of the estate's vineyards (210m above sea level), this is the newest Pinot Noir vineyard, planted in 1997. The cool winds from the Van Duzer Corridor blow in, and the fruit ripens the slowest. It has a good balance of clear acidity and fruit, and the elegant yet slowly ripening fruit is firmly present in the core.
Christom specializes in single vineyard winemaking that brings out the characteristics of the terroir.
Vintage Information
2021 was a very dry year throughout the year, but rain during flowering affected pollination, resulting in small clusters and low yields, but the fruit was concentrated, making this a vintage that produced grapes of the highest quality in the last 10 years.
Although it was a dry year, a little rain in July midway through was a big help to the young vines and to the older vines in the rocky vineyards with little topsoil.
Technical information
Clones: Wedenswil, Pommard, Mount Eden, Swan, Carrera, Dijon (114, 115, 777)
Winemaking method: 46% is fermented whole bunch, in open fermentation tanks of 1.5 to 5 ton capacity using only native yeasts.
Punchdown is done 1-3 times a day, gently pressing, and then transferred by gravity to French barrels (François Frères and several other types), where it is aged for 18 months in barrels (34% new barrels), clarified using only egg whites, and unfiltered.
Tasting Comments
A clear, pale ruby color with a hint of purple on the edges, it displays vibrant, bright red cherry, licorice, charcuterie, dried leaves, embers, cola and fine earthy notes.
The palate is light to medium-bodied, with black and red cherry and berry flavors, baking spices (nutmeg, pepper, etc.) and earthy notes.
The crisp acidity, soft tannins, juicy fruit, and the umami flavor of ripe fruit create a long, lingering finish.
The excellent acidity and mellow tannins that are characteristic of Irene are well expressed.
Field Information
Eileen is a 9.86 hectare vineyard named after the wife of founder Paul Gerry.
Located at the highest point of the company's vineyards (160-224 meters above sea level), it has the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Coast Mountains to the west, and offers a panoramic view of Christom Winery's own vineyards.
In 1997, the south and southwest facing slopes were planted with Dijon and Pommard clones at a density of 5,710 plants per hectare, and in 2006, 1.82 hectares were planted with Wedenswil at a density of 2,990 plants per hectare.
The soil is Columbia Valley basalt, with the deeper soils being Jolly, Nekia, and Yamhill, and the areas closer to the surface being Lightner, Witzel, etc.
Due to its altitude, Irene receives cool breezes and its fruit ripens the latest.
Eileen Vineyard's maritime climate means mild days and cool nights.
This results in grapes that have a fragrant, powerful aroma and flavor while retaining sufficient acidity, which is reflected in the taste of the wine.
In 2017, new plots (top) were planted with Pinot Noir (Mount Eden, Swan, Calera) and Chardonnay.
I'm looking forward to seeing how it grows in the future.
Vintage: 2021
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: Oregon
AVA: Eola-Amity Hills
Vineyard: Eileen Vineyard
Winemaker: Steve Doerner
Winemaking: 46% whole bunch fermentation, fermented in 1.5-5 ton open fermentation tanks using only natural yeasts
Aging: 18 months in French barrels (François Frères and several others) (34% new barrels)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 13.5%
JAN: 851573001099