Cristom’s 2003 reserve is a blend of grapes from nine different vineyards. Supple and concentrated, it beautifully mixes raspberry, blackberry and cherry flavors with hints of earth and chewy, tea-leaf tannins. Excellent grip, weight and length; slowly but surely some pretty mocha flavors suffuse the finish. ——P.G.(5/1/2006)—— 92

Revealing a ruby color as well as a nose of red fruits and flowers, the 2002 Pinot Noir Reserve is a soft, broad, medium-bodied wine with appealingly forward fruit. In the attack and mid-palate it displays loads of grapy dark cherries, blueberries, and hints of ripe red currants. However, a structured, somewhat compressed finish prevented a higher score. Drink it between 2005 and 2010. Tel. (503) 375-3068 www.cristomwines.com

An outstanding, medium to dark ruby-colored wine, the spicy cherry-scented 2000 Pinot Noir Reserve is loaded with black cherries and blackberries. Medium-bodied and satin-textured, it has gorgeous depth as well as length. Projected maturity: 2003-2009. "For an Oregon winery, 2000 was a boring vintage because we didn't have to face drought, cold, harvest rains, or any other problems we had to try and surmount," said Steve Doerner, Cristom's winemaker. He went on to say that, "I was so much in love with the 1999s that I overlooked the 2000s until recently. Now I see this vintage as close as can be to 1999 without reaching that year's peaks." Tel. (503) 375-3068

The medium to dark ruby-colored 1999 Pinot Noir Reserve has a nose of black cherries, cloves, and juniper berries. This wine has outstanding depth to its medium-bodied character. Copious quantities of assorted dark fruit, mostly cherries, are intermingled with spices in its structured core. It will require five years of cellaring and will last at least through 2013. Tel. (503) 375-3068

The medium to dark ruby-colored 1998 Pinot Noir Reserve offers toasted oak and blackberry aromas. Juicy black cherries, cookie dough, and raspberries can be found in its harmonious, well-balanced, and focused personality. This exceptionally long-finishing wine is elegant and medium to full-bodied. Projected maturity: 2003-2008. Tel. 503-375-3068.