Cristom
Cristom Vineyards was founded in 1992 by Paul Gerrie, an engineer, and his wife Eileen. They were based in Pittsburgh, far from wine country, but were passionate about wine, and more specifically about Pinot Noir, and the potential of Oregon.
They spoke to Mike Etzel, founder of Beaux Frères vineyard, and settled on a site in the Eola Amity Hills, which became Cristom.
At Cristom Vineyards, family is everything. The name, Cristom, is a portmanteau of Paul and Eileen’s children, Christine and Tom, while the names of the vineyards paying homage to family matriarchs. Now, under the leadership of adult son Tom Gerrie, the estate is looking forwards. They’re open in their 100-year vision for the estate, which impacts all decisions the family makes for the future of the land, and the business as a whole.
That’s led them to begin conversion to biodynamic viticulture, under the watchful eye of winemaker and vineyard manager Daniel Estrin. He came from Littorai, where as assistant winemaker he’d pushed forward the biodynamic program, and had also worked at global wineries including Bodega Chacra, Mount Langi, and Burn Cottage.
In the cellar, the Pinot Noirs are defined by the use of whole bunch fermentation, with amounts differing based on the wine, and the vintage. The team here feel that this brings complexity to the aromatics, as well as terroir-defining tannins to the palate.
Based in the heart of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, an area influenced by the cool afternoon breezes that blow off the Pacific Ocean, these are wines defined by purity, structure and freshness. While Cristom Vineyards focus on single vineyard expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, their blends from across the AVA, the Mount Jefferson Pinot Noir and the Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay are wonderful expressions of the potential of Oregon to produce world-class wines.
1
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
The Sanford & Benedict vineyard, located in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, was planted in 1971 and is home to the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Santa Barbara County. The soils in the western Santa Ynez Valley have lower quantities of clay than other areas of the valley. They are comprised of Gazos clay loam, with 15% to 30% slopes, and Santa Lucia shaley clay loam, with 9% to 15% slopes in blocks 5, 6 and 10. The area receives foggy mornings and long, cool days, resulting in a longer growing season and lower yields.
2
Los Alamos Vineyard
Los Alamos lies between the cool Santa Maria Valley appellation to the north and the warmer Santa Ynez Valley appellation to the south. The region seems to have the best characteristics of both appellations. To date the Los Alamos Valley does not have a federally approved appellation and wines are labeled under the more generic Santa Barbara County designation.
Perched at an elevation of 800 ft (high for Santa Barbara), Los Alamos is characterized by its cool climate, intense California sunshine, and most importantly it’s sand and lime soils. This leads to intensely mineral and citrus driven Chardonnay, while the Pinot Noir exudes red fruit, lavender, and rosemary.
3
Bien Nacido Vineyard
Located 18 miles from the ocean in the Santa Maria Valley, the Bien Nacido Vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vines grow in soils comprised of the Elder series and Shedd series. The Elder series consists of two blocks, found on flood plains and alluvial fans with an elevation range of 100 to 1,500 feet, with 9% to 15% slopes. The site experiences an average annual rainfall of 12 to 18 inches. Just uphill along the road is where the well-drained, Chamise clay loams of the Shedd series can be found. Slopes here are 30% to 45% and elevations range from 200 to 2,500 feet, with an average annual rainfall of 14 to 16 inches.
4
Zotovitch Vineyard
The terroir of Zotovitch Vineyard in Santa Barbara County is characterized by its diverse microclimates rich soil, creating an ideal environment for grape cultivation. The vineyard benefits from the cooling coastal breezes and ample sunshine, which contribute to the perfect balance of acidity and ripeness in the grapes. This unique combination of factors allows for the production of exceptional wines that showcase the true essence of the region. At Zotovitch Vineyard, the commitment to understanding and nurturing the terroir is evident in every bottle, offering a genuine taste of Santa Barbara's wine country.
Gavin Chanin brings a unique artistic touch to the world of wine by painting his own labels. Each label reflects his passion for both winemaking and art, transforming the bottle into a canvas that tells a story. This personal approach not enhances the aesthetic appeal of his wines but also connects consumers to the artistry behind each sip. Gavin’s labels are a testament to his creativity making every bottle a work of art in its own right.
