Why do we love it?
Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2016 by J. Christopher is a new world wine, made by the classic vinification of the old. Simply put, it's a Pinot Noir from Oregon that has been made as if it was in Burgundy. 2016 vintage is considered perhaps the best so far, and Wine Enthusiast (90pts!) agrees with that.
We have said it before, this German is crazy and doesn't sit still. Ernst Loosen had realized that something good was going on with Oregon and when he visited it years ago and met Jay Somers of the J. Christopher winery, he was convinced for good. Somers made Pinot Noir in Willamette Valley in a way reminiscent of the old world (Burgundy). Ernie was so impressed that he decided to invest in this venture. The winery now enjoys worldwide recognition since every year it scores astronomical ratings for all its wines. In addition, in 2019 it entered the list of Wine & Spirits with the 100 best wineries of the year. As you can imagine they are doing many things right. Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2016 by J. Christopher is a Pinot made from a blend of selected oak barrels and different vineyards (Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountains, Eola-Amity Hills). The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and matures for 20 months in French oak barriques (25% new). The result is impressive, with rich, pure fruit, silky texture, and with as much oak as needed.
We would tell you that it is the ultimate summer red wine, but it is so much more that we would be unfair! You must try it!
Tastes Like
It has moderate ruby color and rich aromas of ripe red and black fruits accompanied by notes of banana, vanilla, toffee, and tea. Juicy and tasty mouth, with medium body, refreshing acidity, and silky tannins. The elegance of the barrel perfectly emphasizes the juicy and ripe cherries and berries, without overshadowing them.
