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J. Christopher Pinot Noir Lumiere 2011 750ml

size
750ml
country
United States
region
Oregon
appellation
Willamette Valley
WA
91
VM
90
Additional vintages
2012 2011
WA
91
Rated 91 by Wine Advocate
Sourced principally from Dubay and Three Angels vineyards in the Walnut Hills, and representing – at 756 cases – a steep ramping-up in quantity from last year’s inaugural rendition, J. Christopher’s 2011 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Lumiere is gorgeously scented with violet, cassis, and allspice. Intimations of wet stone gain prominence on the sappy dark berry-filled and palpably extract-rich – even broad-shouldered – palate. Notwithstanding its name, this is the metaphorically darkest of the present collection, and the most obviously structured. The finish – incorporating iodine, smoky black tea, and brown spices – is at once broad and gripping, while retaining the sort of energy and abundant primary juiciness that one expects from 2011. I imagine it showing well through at least 2018. ... More details
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J. Christopher Pinot Noir Lumiere 2011 750ml

SKU 745929
Out of Stock
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barrel

Vintage: 2011

The year 2011 was an interesting year for many northern and central European countries, as the weather was more than unpredictable in the spring and summer. However, in most countries, the climatic conditions thankfully settled down in the late summer and fall. The result of this slightly difficult year of weather in France was a set of surprisingly small yields, but overall, these yields were of a higher quality than those harvested in certain previous years. A fantastic set of wines was also made in Italy and Spain, and the Rioja wines - when released - are set to be very good indeed. Austria also had superb year in 2011, with almost fifty percent more grapes being grown and used for their distinctive Gruner Veltliner wines than in the year before. Possibly the European country which had the finest 2011, though, was Portugal, with wineries in the Douro region claiming this year to be one of the best in decades for the production of Port wine, and the bright, young Vinho Verdes wines. In the New World, the Pacific Northwest saw some of the best weather of 2011, and Washington State and Oregon reportedly had a highly successful year, especially for the cultivation of high quality red wine grapes. Chile and Argentina had a relatively cool year, which certainly helped retain the character of many of their key grape varietals, and should make for some exciting drinking. South Africa had especially good weather for their white wine grape varietals, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and many South African wineries are reporting 2011 as one of their best years in recent memory.
green grapes

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Whilst the Pinot Noir grape varietal has its origins in France, and is most closely associated with fine Burgundy wines, it is now grown in almost every wine producing country in the world. There are many reasons for this – the densely packed, deep black bunches of fruits are responsible for making a wide variety of excellent wines, generally agreed to be amongst the most drinkable and accessible one can find. With flavors ranging from currants and red and black berries, to more earthy, spicy notes, Pinot Noir is a versatile varietal which is revered for its relatively light body and beautifully vivid red color However, the grapes themselves are notoriously susceptible to various diseases, and struggle in fluctuating climates. This has not stopped wineries planting and cultivating these vines, though, as Pinot Noir, when grown carefully and treated properly, is a grape with a wide and increasing fan-base, and more often than not produces wonderful wines.
barrel

Region: Oregon

The Oregon wine industry is continuing to go from strength to strength, with many of their Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir wines winning important international awards in recent years. Oregon has also become renowned as an important region for the production of organic and biodynamic wines, demonstrating the fact that the wineries which are dotted across the diverse regions of the state are keen to experiment with their methods and techniques. A wide range of grape varietals flourish in Oregon, including an impressive array of Old World classic grapes alongside American hybrid varietals. This, coupled with the cooler climate and the mix of traditional and excitingly modern wine production methods makes Oregon a fascinating region for wine lovers, particularly those looking for something unique and utterly delicious.
fields

Country: United States

For three hundred years now, the United States has been leading the New World in wine production, both in regards to quantity and quality. Wine is actually produced in all fifty states across the country, with California leading the way by an enormous margin. Indeed, as much as eighty-nine percent of all wines to come out of the United States are produced in California, where the fertile soils and sloping mountain sides, coupled with the long, hot summers provide ideal conditions for producing high quality, European style red, white and rosé wines. With over a million acres of the country under vine, the United States sits comfortably as the fourth largest wine producer in the world, where imported grape varietals from all over the Old World are processed using a successful blend of traditional and contemporary techniques.
bottle and glass

Appellation: Willamette Valley

The beautiful state of Oregon is home to many productive and important wine producing regions, and one of the most important and widely renowned is Willamette Valley, a lush and fertile region internationally famed for its high quality, flavorful and characterful Pinot Noir wines. Willamette Valley is an ideal location for the Pinot Noir grape, as the long, hot summers and balmy ripening seasons allow the grapes to reach full ripeness, and express their deliciously luxurious flavors and aromas. However, plenty of other grape varietals also thrive in Willamette Valley, and the region is renowned for its dedication to quality, experimentation and innovation, with many wineries increasingly keen to expand their portfolios and show the world just how good and varied the Oregon wine scene can be.