Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Sourced principally from Dubay and Three Angels vineyards in the Walnut Hills, and representing – at 756 cases – a steep ramping-up in quantity from last year’s inaugural rendition, J. Christopher’s 2011 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Lumiere is gorgeously scented with violet, cassis, and allspice. Intimations of wet stone gain prominence on the sappy dark berry-filled and palpably extract-rich – even broad-shouldered – palate. Notwithstanding its name, this is the metaphorically darkest of the present collection, and the most obviously structured. The finish – incorporating iodine, smoky black tea, and brown spices – is at once broad and gripping, while retaining the sort of energy and abundant primary juiciness that one expects from 2011. I imagine it showing well through at least 2018.
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.