Wine review: 2010 J. Christopher Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

In case you can’t wait for the Pinot in the City event Sept. 11 at the Ebell Club, when 66 Willamette Valley wineries will be pouring their wares, here’s an Oregon Pinot Noir to wet your whistle now. Though J. Christopher dates back to 1998, the winery founded by Jay Somers really got its focus when Somers brought in German winemaker Ernie Loosen as partner a few years ago.

And this 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot made from grapes grown in four of the Willamette Valley’s American Viticultural Areas — Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountains, Yamhill-Carlton and Eola-Amity Hills — is everything you could wish. Silky and nuanced, it tastes of plums, blueberries and forest, an elegant expression of Oregon Pinot Noir. Keep an eye out for the winery’s more expensive single vineyard bottlings too.

I’d save it for a roast duck or braised duck legs, maybe a simple grilled hanger steak with sautéed mushrooms. Or a selection of cheeses.

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Price: $27 to $30

Style: Classic and elegant

What it goes with: Roasted or braised poultry, grilled hanger steak, cheeses

Where to find it: BestWinesOnline, (888) 817-8880, the Wine House in West Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731, and the Wine Connection in San Diego, (877)667-9463. Also available from the winery at jchristopherwines.com.

[email protected]