2006 Cristom Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard

The 2006 Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard is sourced from a vineyard that predates the current ownership. Planted in the early ‘80s, it has low density spacing and has been attacked by phylloxera but the winery believes the old-vine character is worth preserving. It offers up complex spice notes, red and black fruits, and a concentrated sweetness on the palate. It has good structure but is slightly compressed in the finish. Two years in the bottle should round it out and it should continue to drink well through 2018. Continuity is the custom at Cristom Vineyards where the founder Paul Gerrie remains at the helm and the original winemaker, Steve Doerner still fashions world-class Pinot Noirs. Tel. (503) 375-3068; www.cristomwines.com