017 J Christopher Volcanique Pinot Noir comes from Dundee Hills, the prime AVA of Willamette Valley of Oregon.
Unlike France, where terroir determines the quality and price, in the United States, the winemaker and winery is the key to quality and reputation. But in the last two decades, the American wine industry has been moving towards adapting a terroir-driven model.
That’s why when we see a particular AVA of Willamette on the label, we know it’s going to be more exciting wine than the one that says only Willamette Valley. And Dundee Hills AVA has long established itself at the top.
2017 J Christopher Volcanique Pinot Noir
In the Bottle
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.
In the Glass
The aroma is a complex bouquet of Morello cherry, strawberry, red cherry, potpourri, and autumn forest.
It opens with bing cherry and raspberry flavors, black tea, and orange rinds and finishes with a touch of toast and graphite minerality on the palate.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission.
Finish
The aftertaste is long and filled with flavors of prune and dried cherry. J Christopher delivered precisely what we expect from Dundee Hills Pinot Noir: complex wine with ripe red fruit profile, a touch of volcanic minerality, and a tannic finish.
Considering the quality and price of 2017 J Christopher Volcanique Pinot Noir, it’s among the best deals from Willamette Valley.