2022 Cristom "Marjorie" Eola-Amity Pinot Noir

The wild mint leaps from the glass at the outset, the Marjorie site was planted in 1982, on its own roots, replanted vine by vine starting in 2000. Aromatics of fresh spearmint, red bramble fruits and a tart spritz of blood orange complete the aromatic appeal. The tannins are substantial here and frame the wine's elegance with a structure that will enable some great ageing. It's a tough site to farm because of the spacing and the low pH. Tart red berries and a melange of dried scrub flavours meld into notes of blackberry and mint and a touch of white pepper to finish.

The core of this wine is from the oldest remaining block on the property planted on its own roots in 1982. Clones are old-school selections of Pommard, Wädenswil, and Martini. Some of this block has now been replanted since the early 2000s due to Phylloxera. One again 50% whole-cluster native fermentation. This time 36% new French oak which is easily absorbed by this dense, powerful, brooding and structured wine. Very serious Pinot Noir.