A wine to savour, and to reframe what you know of American Chardonnay. This is driven, detailed and linear, rather than big and buttery. Think fine Burgundy. It has stonefruit and citrus aromatics with undertones of hazelnut and candied apple. The palate is medium bodied, tightly wound initially, with amazing, fresh persistance. Fruit from estate vineyards was aged for 11 months on the lees in French oak, followed by an additional five months in stainless steel.

Cristom was established by the Gerrie Family in 1992 in the Eola-Amity Hills of the Willamette Valley, Oregon. From 36 hectares of organically farmed vineyards they produce beautifully detailed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wines are defined by the east facing aspect of the vineyards, the rich volcanic soils, and cooling ocean breezes in the afternoon. Winemaking is in the hands of Daniel Estrin, who has worked for greats like Littorai, Bodega Chacra, Craggy Range and Burn Cottage.