Cristom Estate Syrah
Pouring a deep maroon-purple with aromas of blackberry, dark plum, dried herbs, and white pepper. The palate has bold dark fruit flavors—blackberry, elderberry—with savory spice, mesquite, and toasted oak on the finish. Cristom Vineyards was founded in 1992 by Paul Gerrie in Oregon’s Eola–Amity Hills and is now widely regarded as one of the state’s benchmark producers. While Cristom is best known for Pinot Noir, the estate has long been committed to Rhône varieties, particularly Syrah, believing the cool, wind-influenced hills of the Willamette Valley offer ideal conditions for elegant, site-driven expressions. Cristom is family-owned and estate-focused.
Grape Varietal: Syrah
Feature: Organic, Sustainable
Country: United States
Region: Oregon
Appellation: Eola-Amity Hills
Grape Profile: Syrah typically features rich fruit flavors such as blackberry, plum, and blueberry. It often carries secondary notes of spices, black pepper, and sometimes smoked meat or olive-like savory elements. The use of oak in aging can introduce flavors of vanilla, toast, and coffee.
Region Profile: The Eola-Amity Hills AVA, part of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, benefits from cool Pacific breezes channeled through the Van Duzer Corridor. This maritime influence contributes to the region’s ability to produce wines with vibrant acidity and complex flavor profiles.
Pair with: Hearty dishes like grilled red meats, poultry, and game. Rich pasta dishes with meat sauces. Mature aged cheeses like Cheddar and Gouda. Roasted vegetables. Spicy & herb-infused foods.
