Pinot Noir Signature, Cristom Vineyards 2008

Representing the fourth time that Cristom has made such a special selection of barrels (in this case three, all new) reflecting diverse estate parcels (and there won’t be one from 2009 or 2010), the 2008 Pinot Noir Signature Cuvee displays luscious, deep dark cherry and purple plum on a satiny, supple palate, accompanied by billowing, bittersweet floral inner-mouth perfume; powerfully saliva-inducing, soy-like salinity; charred red meat, and stone. Here is a classic incarnation of the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, and a wine whose alluring fruit is – in estate-typical fashion – accompanied by floral, carnal, and mineral complexity, all of which engage in dynamic colloquy in lingering waves of flavor.