Let us introduce you to a delightful wine: J. Christopher 2009 “Nuages” Pinot Noir.
Named in tribute to Django Rheinhart’s “Nuages,” one of winemaker Jay Somer’s favorite gypsy jazz tunes, the 2009 Nuages Pinot Noir was selected from the Adams and Buttonfield Vineyards in Oregon’s Chehalem Mountains AVA.
The name “Nuages,” which is French for “clouds,” also pays homage to the moderating influence of Oregon’s autumn cloud cover, which slows ripening to allow for the long hang time that creates fully developed flavors.
The 2009 Nuages is a very engaging wine. Beginning with a mouthwatering nose of dark, sweet fruit and a hint of smoke and vanilla, it delivers a full impact on the palate, with fine, focused fruit accented by intriguing spice and herbal notes, a juicy grip, firm structure, and good length. It spent 20 months in barrel.
Total production: 170 cases.
About J. Christopher Winery
Appassionata (foreground) and Adams vineyards on Chehalem Mountain.
The philosophy at J. Christopher is to produce wines in an Old World style that emphasizes focus, length and balance. As Jay puts it, “We do not make fruit bombs! We want wines that have a fine balance of fruit, acidity and texture. We want wines that give you more than just a big mid-palate blast — wines that are complete.”
Jay and Ernie Loosen met years ago, and cemented their friendship when Jay traveled to Germany to help the short-handed harvest crew at Dr. Loosen. In 2010, they formed a partnership and began construction of a winery and vineyard in Newberg, Oregon. The new venture, Loosen Christopher Wines LLC, produces wines under the already-established “J. Christopher” brand. As winemaker for the joint venture, Jay is in charge of all winery operations. Ernst sees his role as that of an investor who both supports the growth of the J. Christopher brand and broadens the winery’s exposure to Old World ideas and techniques.
More info about J. Christopher Winery at www.jchristopherwines.com.
PRAISE FROM THE PRESS
“Jay Somers is easily one of Oregon’s best winemakers.” — Matt Kramer
“…Jay Somers, a wunderkind admired for his wines as well as for his guitar stylings for the Stumptown band Poncho Luxurio. —The Oregonian
Tags: ernst loosen, j. christopher, jay somers, oregon wine, pinot noir, wine