Introduction: Cristom Vineyards was established in 1992 by the Gerrie family on their 240-acre estate in the Eola-Amity Hills, earning an international reputation primarily for single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Gamay Noir is a decidedly different expression from the house — a limited, winery-exclusive bottling made in the carbonic maceration style that winemaker Daniel Estrin draws directly from the Beaujolais Crus tradition. It is a wine built for pleasure and immediacy, and a compelling showcase for what Gamay can become in Oregon's cool volcanic terroir.

Terroir: The Gamay is sourced from two distinct Eola-Amity Hills sites whose contrasting characters form the heart of the blend. The estate's Paul Gerrie Vineyard — a newer, high-elevation site on deep volcanic basalt soils exposed to the full force of the Van Duzer Corridor winds — contributes structure, minerality, and a darker, earthier character that Estrin likens to Côte de Brouilly. Neighbor Björnson Vineyard, also on volcanic soils but with a softer, more aromatic profile, brings the floral, lighter-footed quality of Fleurie. Together, the two sites produce what Estrin describes as a uniquely Oregonian Gamay — structured enough to be serious, expressive enough to be instantly lovable.

Appearance: Translucent ruby with a vivid violet-pink rim — light and luminous in the glass, with the see-through clarity characteristic of well-made carbonic maceration wines.

Nose: Fragrant and inviting, with raspberry coulis, bramble, and dried cranberries leading a bouquet that is bright, fresh, and lightly spiced. A subtle graphite and thyme note adds savory complexity beneath the lifted red fruit, giving the wine more depth than the playful color might suggest.

Palate: Light to medium-bodied with a juicy, bouncy texture that is the hallmark of carbonic maceration at its best. Flavors of fresh cherry, mulberry, and cran-orange are complemented by sandalwood, dried herb, and a whisper of white pepper. The native yeast fermentation and six months in neutral French oak add a subtle earthy roundness without imposing any wood character — the fruit stays primary, fresh, and completely unencumbered.

Finish: Clean, bright, and refreshing, with red fruit and a gentle minerality lingering through a dry, herb-tinged close. Medium in length with no bitterness and a lovely natural tension from the Eola-Amity Hills acidity.

Food Pairings:
🥩 Meat: Roasted salmon with pinot noir reduction, duck confit, or a classic charcuterie-stuffed crêpe
🥦 Vegetarian: Mushroom and lentil ragù, roasted beet salad with goat cheese, or a Provençal vegetable tian
🧀 Charcuterie Board: Aged chèvre, mild Gruyère, cornichons, whole grain mustard, and thinly sliced salami

Overall Impression: The 2022 Cristom Gamay Noir is a wine of delight and craft in equal measure — a low-intervention, winery-exclusive bottling that captures the joy of carbonic maceration while expressing the volcanic minerality that makes the Eola-Amity Hills so distinctive. It is not trying to be Pinot Noir, and all the better for it. Serve slightly chilled at 55–58°F; drink now through 2026–2027.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13.5%
Farming Practices: Organic and biodynamic farming on the Cristom estate (Paul Gerrie Vineyard); certified LIVE sustainable; hand-harvested whole clusters
Producer Name: Cristom Vineyards
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: United States
Region: Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Grape Varietals: Gamay Noir 100%
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry Red — Light-bodied, fruit-forward, and juicy, with a bright red fruit and floral profile shaped by 100% carbonic maceration and cool volcanic terroir. More structured and mineral than Beaujolais but built in the same spirit — for pleasure, versatility, and the table.
Winemaking Techniques: Hand-picked whole clusters; 100% whole-cluster carbonic maceration with native yeasts in a sealed tank; pressed to tank to finish primary fermentation; aged 6 months in neutral French oak barrels; unfined and unfiltered
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Verify on bottle