Wines We’re Drinking Now:* Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir

At dinner in Dallas recently, I ordered a California Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. My dining companions and I discussed the 2016 presidential race and waited on our wine … which never came. After about 10 minutes, the sommelier came to our table and apologized, telling us that the bottle we ordered was not available. He offered us another pinot, and I accepted it. Gladly. I am aware of Cristom Vineyards and have had the pleasure of drinking other wines from the Salem, Oregon-based house. The 2012 Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir is medium in color, and on the nose it’s showing tea and berry. After a few minutes in the glass, a bit of spice comes through. From the Willamette Valley, it is unfiltered, has an alcohol content of 13.5 percent and is aged for 12 months (Burgundian cooperage). It’s drinking well now, and you can purchase it directly from Cristom for $30.