Winemaker Notes
J.J is their “second label”, a blend of de-classified barrels from top vineyards in three separate AVAs of the Willamette Valley: Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountains and Eola-Amity Hills. They specifically choose the softer, fruitier, juicier barrels for this delicious Pinot Noir that begs for immediate drinking. Aromas and flavors focus of raspberry, black plum, Asian spice. Medium bodied, silky and friendly palate focused on bright red fruits, a touch of toasty oak and satisfying, fruit-driven finish.
Ideal with a garlic pork roast, herb roasted chicken, or Scottish salmon.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Here is an easy-drinking, entry-level Pinot, with a mix of red berries and a hint of banana fruit highlighting the flavors. It’s supported with ample tannins and acidity, and offers a good representation of Willamette Valley Pinot at a relatively modest price.
Located in Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley, J. Christopher Wines is a boutique winery that specializes in Pinot Noir made in the traditional style of Burgundy, and in Sauvignon Blanc modeled after the superlative wines of Sancerre. The winery is owned by world renowned Ernst Loosen, of Weingut Dr. Loosen in Germany. Erni’s lifetime passion for the wines of Burgundy has led to a philosophy to produce elegant, nuanced wines in a distinctly Old World style with an emphasis on lower alcohol and a modest amount of oak. The wines have garnered an international reputation for their purity, balance and food-friendly drinkability.
Home of some of the planet’s most amazingly elegant and expressive Pinot noir, the Willamette Valley is a pastoral, mixed landscape of green, bucolic rolling hills, dramatic forestlands and small, independent, friendly wine growers. As a leader in environmental stewardship, the valley has some of the nation’s most protective land use policies, with two-thirds of its vineyards farmed sustainably and over half, organically. While the valley claims a cool, continental climate, and is heavily influenced by the cold, moist winds of the Pacific Ocean, its warm and dry summers allow for the steady, even ripening of Pinot noir.
The potential of Willamette Valley Pinot noir continues to attract the investment of serious growers and winemakers both locally and from abroad, as naturally the finished wines bring accolades from professionals and enthusiasts. With a range of styles from delicate dried cherry, raspberry and hibiscus to stronger notes of truffle, mocha, plum and spice, a fine Willamette Valley Pinot noir is a perfect expression of both character and grace.