This vineyard was the first to be densely planted with new rootstocks and clones since Kristom first owned the land in 1993. The winery is directly in front of the vineyard and is surrounded by forest behind it, so the cool wind is less likely to enter, and the fruit ripens the fastest, resulting in a powerful wine. The aromas are of blackberry, raspberry, currant, and pomegranate with a hint of cinnamon and clove.
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.
There were several hot days in August, but thanks to the efforts of the cultivation team, no major damage was caused, and the cool weather that followed from August to September allowed the grapes to ripen sufficiently, resulting in well-balanced grapes that did not lose their acidity.
Technical information
Clones: Pommard & Dijon (113, 114, 115, 777)
Winemaking method: 46% whole-cluster fermentation, fermented only with native yeasts in open fermentation tanks of 1.5 to 7 ton capacity.
Punchdown is done 1-3 times a day, with gentle pressing, and the wine is transferred to French barrels (François Frères and several other types) using gravity, where it is aged for 18 months in barrels (38% new oak).
Clarified using only egg whites, no filters
Tasting Comments
It has a transparent pale ruby color and classic aromas of black and red cherries, followed by nuances of cola, dry earth, and shiso leaves, with a spicy touch of pepper.
Medium-bodied and silky on the palate, it is layered with lovely red and black fruits, with accents of licorice, earth and black tea.
It has firm tannins and a mouth-filling acidity, with a long, lingering finish of fresh fruit.
It expresses the concentrated plump fruitiness that is characteristic of Louise.
Field Information
Louise is the oldest of the estate's vineyards and is named after the maternal grandmother of founder Paul Guerry, covering an area of 7.36 hectares.
The elevation difference ranges from 88 meters to 134 meters.
After purchasing the land, in 1993 the trees were replanted at high density (5,710 plants per hectare) using new rootstocks and clones.
The soil is Columbia River basalt, with Jolly soil near the top and Nikia soil below.
These two soils are known for being rich in minerals, having good drainage, and allowing roots to grow deep into the ground.
The low-altitude blocks are built on silt from the Missoula Floods that occurred multiple times at the end of the last Ice Age, which allows for good drainage. These blocks are the lowest in elevation and earliest harvested of our own vineyards.
However, the higher blocks on the slope are in the shade of the forest, so the harvest is the latest and the grapes ripen the slowest of all our own vineyards.
The cuvées from the different blocks give the wine its power, fullness and complexity.
It is rich and lush and is the most popular of the four vineyards.
The vines are approximately 26 to 30 years old, making them the oldest on average among all the plots in Crystom's own vineyards.
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: Louise Vineyard
Winemaker: Steve Doerner
Winemaking: 46% whole bunch fermentation, fermented in 1.5-7 ton open fermentation tanks using only natural yeasts
Aging: 18 months in French barrels (François Frères and several other types) (38% new barrels)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 13.5%
JAN: 851573001051