Tech Notes
Wine Details
International Wine Report
Wine Enthusiast
Decanter
James Suckling
By J. Christopher
2019 Bella Vida Vineyard Pinot Noir
Background
J. Christopher is a line of wines that elegantly captures the distinctive character of Oregon's northern Willamette Valley. Owned by internationally renowned winegrower Erni Loosen (also owner of Appassionata Estate, where the wines are produced), the focus is on expressive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc made using the patient, unhurried approach of the Old World. Fruit for J. Christopher Wines is sourced from excellent growers in several different sub-appellations of the Willamette Valley. With a deep commitment to environmentally sustainable farming and production practices, the mission of J. Christopher Wines is to produce terroir-driven wines in an age-worthy style that emphasizes finesse, length, and balance.
Vintage Details
The 2019 vintage was challenging in all the ways that can bring out the best in Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The growing season was a welcome respite from the warm temperatures of the previous five years. It started with a cold snap in February, turning slightly warmer than average in late spring, followed by a mild summer with no major heat spikes. Cooling rain that came in mid-September had us looking for small windows of sun to pick, but it brought us beautiful wines reminiscent of Oregon's past. It was a more "classic" Willamette Valley vintage, with plenty of time for slow, steady ripening, resulting in beautiful, energetic Pinots with silky texture and a balance of fruit and earth.
Technical Info
Appellation: Dundee Hills
Soil Type: Volcanic Jory clay
Clones: Pommard, Wadenswil
Age of Vines: 20 to 25 years
Viticulture: Sustainable
Average Yield: 2.5 tons per acre
Vinification: 100% destemmed; native yeast fermentation; unforced malolactic; 18 months in barriques (25% new); no fining or filtration
Alcohol: 13.50%
Tasting Notes
A complex and evocative Pinot Noir that beautifully expresses the floral elegance of the Red Hills of Dundee. The Bella Vida Vineyard is one of the most beautiful sites in the heart of the Dundee Hills. With its deep red Jory clay and its stunning view of the Willamette Valley, this vineyard consistently produces exceptional fruit that captures the essence of this beautiful place on earth. The 2019 has a rich, spicy aroma and an elevated lushness on the palate, with the finesse and fine tannin structure that are characteristic of these hills.
[Information provided by Wine Procurement Services]
Region:
Willamette Valley
Vintage:
2019
Grape:
Pinot Noir
Country:
United States
Unit Size:
750.00 ML
Alcohol Percentage:
13.50
Appellation:
Dundee Hills
Wine: J.CHRISTOPHER Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills ‘Bella Vida Vineyard’ 2019
Score/Rating: 96
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2034
Review Date: 01/2024
Reviewed By: J. Young
Tasting Notes: The 2019 Bella Vida Pinot Noir from J. Christopher is a stunning wine that boasts a dazzling neon ruby core with a light blue rim. Resting for 18 months in about 25% new French oak, it offers a delightful aroma of crushed strawberries, red currants, dried herbs, citrus zest, and earthy dried flowers. The wine has crunchy tannins, which lead to a medium-bodied mouthfeel, and a long-lasting, spiced-driven [sic] finish. [...] Highly recommended.
Wine: J. Christopher 2019 Bella Vida Vineyard Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills)
Score/Rating: 95 - Cellar Selection
Suggested Drinking Window: Until 2032 - 2034
Review Date: 11/01/2023
Reviewed By: Michael Alberty
Tasting Notes: The wine's aromatic combination of dried rose petals, red raspberries and lilacs with traces of loam and barnyard may draw comparisons to a certain region in France. Bing cherry, anise and espresso with a lemon twist flavors coat the palate. Muscular tannins and juicy acidity suggest enjoyment until 2032-2034.
Wine: J Christopher, Bella Vida Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA 2019
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2023 - 2032
Review Date: 05/23/2023
Reviewed By: Clive Pursehouse
Tasting Notes: Elegance takes the form of this Pinot Noir from the heart of the Dundee Hills AVA. Simply outstanding freshness and lift marked by fresh cranberry, candied blood orange, floral notes of violet and savoury green herbs. Black tea and red and black berries accent the supple palate: fresh raspberries, gravelly minerality, clove and a kiss of a cinnamon stick lead into the finish.
Wine: J. Christopher Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Bella Vida Vineyard 2019
Score/Rating: 93
Review Date: 05/15/2023
Reviewed By: Claire Nesbitt
Tasting Notes: This is a spicy and bold pinot with aromas of plums, raspberries, sandalwood, cinnamon and currants. Juicy and delicious, with a relatively full body, tight-grained tannins and creamy red berry fruit intertwined with sweet spices on a long finish. Unfiltered. Drink or hold.
