J. CHRISTOPHER BASALTE PINOT NOIR 2018

J. Christopher is a small winery located in Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley, with a focus on expressive Pinot Noir made using the patient, unhurried approach of the Old World. Owned by renowned Mosel winegrower, Ernst “Erni” Loosen (of the Dr. Loosen estate), the winery’s hand-crafted wines are made from fruit grown in our own estate Appassionata Vineyard, as well as other excellent vineyards in the Willamette Valley. With a deep commitment to environmentally sustainable farming and production practices, J. Christopher strives to produce terroir-driven wines in an Old World style that emphasizes focus, length and balance.

Winery notes (2018 Vintage)
"The Basalte Pinot Noir is our bedrock bottling from the Willamette Valley. It is sourced from vineyards in two AVAs — Chehalem Mountains and Dundee Hills — that have fairly thin volcanic clay topsoil over fractured basalt. This type of very rocky soil lends itself to full-bodied, firmly structured wines. The Basalte captures this expressive character of the soil, with deep red fruit and a fine tannic structure that maintains the elegant style we are seeking"

93/100 James Suckling (2018 Vintage)
"Aromas of red berries, violets and nutmeg. Medium-bodied with bright, driving acidity. Strawberry and red cherry. The fresh fruit is carried by slightly tight tannins. Very energetic."

91/100 Vinous, February 2022 (2018 Vintage)
"Aromas of ripe red and dark berries, vanilla, woodsmoke and licorice carry a spicy overtone. Juicy and nicely concentrated. Closes long and spicy, with gentle tannins lending final grip."