J. Christopher, Basalte Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains 2019

93 points Wine Spectator
"Gracefully structured, with a vibrant beam of cherry and raspberry flavors accented by stony minerality and dusky spices. Builds richness toward refined tannins."

93 points Decanter
"Savoury, dark and brooding, this wine is a blend of vineyard sites with thin top soils over fractured basalt—a fascinating study in variety and terroir. The rocky soils lend the wine structure and ample texture alongside its dark fruited core—Aromatics of Damson plums and Mission figs accented by a touch of spearmint. The palate is rich with baking chocolate, ripe pluots, red apple skin and blood orange."

92 points James Suckling
"Aromas of red berries, violets and nutmeg. Medium-bodied with bright, driving acidity. Strawberry and red cherry. The fresh fruit is carried by slightly tight tannins. Very energetic. Unfiltered. Drink or hold."

Vinous Reverie Notes
The Basalte Pinot Noir is our bedrock bottling from the Willamette Valley. It is sourced from vineyards in two AVAs - Chehalem Mountains and Dundee Hills - that have fairly thin volcanic clay topsoil over fractured basalt. This type of very rocky soil lends itself to full-bodied, firmly structured wines. The Basalte captures this expressive character of the soil, with deep red fruit and a fine tannic structure that maintains the elegant style we are seeking.