Description

J. Christopher Winery Pinot Noir Volcanique Dundee 2017

91pts – Wine Enthusiast

Blending Pommard and Wadenswil clones from the La Colina Vineyard, this is a red fruited wine with a clean, clear focus. Bing cherries are the strength of the palate, with a minerally, dryly tannic finish. PAUL GREGUTT

“J. Christopher’s entry-level wine over delivers, leading with a bright burst of extracted plummyflavor that holds a wheat-and-rye savor. It’s exuberant, with a veil of tannins that grounds the wine and gives it a pleasing bitterness.” October 2019

J. CHRISTOPHER WINES

Located in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, in Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley, the J. Christopher winery focuses on Pinot Noir made using the traditional methods of the Old World. Owned by renowned Mosel winegrower, Ernst “Erni” Loosen (owner of the Dr. Loosen estate), the wines are hand-crafted in small lots and are sourced from our estate Appassionata Vineyard, as well as other excellent vineyards in the Willamette Valley that we have worked with for years. The philosophy at J. Christopher is to produce terroir-driven wines in an Old World style that emphasizes focus, length and balance.

VOLCANIQUE PINOT NOIR

The fruit for Volcanique Pinot Noir came from five select Dundee Hills vineyards: Baptista Maresh, La Colina, Bella Vida, Charlie’s, and Abbey Ridge. 

Pinot Noir clones are a big deal in Oregon. So if you’re a wine nerd, you’ll be interested to know that Volcanique is a blend of four clones: Pommard, Wadenswil, Coury, and Dijon 777. This cuvée is comprised of the top tier of barrels from their numerous Dundee Hills sources. 

Ernst Loosen, the member of the famous German winemaking family and the owner, and Timoty Malone, the winemaker, believe that the blend of vineyards and clone types leads to a more complex wine that reflects the best of Dundee Hills terroir. 

TECHNICAL INFO

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard Sources: Baptista Maresh, La Colina, Charlie’s, Abbey Ridge, Bella Vida.
Soil Type: Volcanic
Clones: Pommard, Wadenswil, Coury, Dijon 777
Age of Vines: Six to 35 years
Vineyard Management: Sustainable; dry farmed
Average Yield: 2.5 tons per acre
Vinification: 100% destemmed; native yeast fermentation; unforced malolactic; 19 months in barriques (25% new); no fining or filtration.
Alcohol: 13.5%