DESCRIPCIÓN
It comes from a unique parcel within the Cristom estate, planted in 1993 on a hillside ranging from 88 to 134 meters in altitude in the Eola-Amity Hills area of Willamette Valley, Oregon. Named after founder Paul Gerrie's great-grandmother, this vineyard is characterized by its extraordinary diversity of soils, from virgin Columbia River basalts (Jory, Nekia, Ritner) to marine sediments and glacial flood muds, as well as its natural protection from ocean winds thanks to nearby oak and fir forests.
Viticulture at Louise is sustainable, with Pinot Noir vines planted on three different rootstocks and five distinct clones, at densities ranging from 1,815 to 2,311 vines . Vineyard management focuses on minimal intervention, hand harvesting, and high competition among the vines, resulting in grapes with intense concentration and remarkable mineral expression.
In the winery, the process begins with a rigorous selection of grapes, including approximately 46% whole clusters, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, several daily pump-overs, and gentle pressing. The wine matures for 18 months in French oak barrels, 38% of which are new, completing malolactic fermentation in wood, and is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The 2021 vintage benefited from a moderate climate, with sufficient temperature variation and natural protection that allowed for uniform ripening. The Louise vineyard, receiving sea breezes later than other plots in Cristom, produces more intense and tannic fruit, resulting in a structured Pinot Noir with great aging potential.
The wine has been highly praised by critics: Decanter awarded it 95 points, Jeb Dunnuck 94, and James Suckling 94, among other outstanding scores. Experts highlight the firm structure, vibrant minerality, and layered complexity that characterize this expression of Louise.
In specialized forums, they claim that the mineral notes and balanced acidity place it as one of the flagship wines among the unique vineyards of Cristom, alongside Jessie and Marjorie.