Description

J.Christopher Winery Pinot Noir Basalte Unfiltered Chehalem Mountains 2018

93 points Wine & Spirits “Best Buy”

 J. Christopher 2017 Chehalem Mountains Basalte Pinot Noir (Best Buy)  ^ From a selection of basaltrich vineyards, including estate sources, this wine recalls pine-top mountain ridges in its haunting scent of pine tips and cedar. The black cherry flavors are forward and lush, then gathered by fruit-skin tannins as the wine finishes in an elegant mode. —P.J.C

The Basalte Pinot Noir is selected from vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains. The extremely rocky, fractures basalt subsoils in this area produce wines with great balance and a rocky minerality. 

The 2018 Basalte was sourced from our own Appassionata estate vineyard, the Medici vineyard, which we farm, and our neighbors at Lia’s vineyard. These vineyards have rocky, volcanic clay and basalt soils that lend themselves to full-bodied, firmly structured wines. The 2017 Basalte has dense, dark fruit with a vibrant buzz on the mid-palate. It is rich and juicy because of the excellent ripeness, but has a fine tannic structure that maintains the elegant style we are seeking.