J Christopher, Lumiere, Pinot Noir, Eola Amity Hills, Willamette Valley 2010

“Issuing from two primarily east-facing sites planted with Dijon clones, and comprising a mere 175 cases, the inaugural J. Christopher 2010 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Lumiere shows prominent elderberry and bitter-edged huckleberry along with a faint suggestion of bitter chocolate. With impressive richness; faintly chewy but fine tannins; and (notwithstanding its cuvee name) a surprisingly sinister overall personality for its vintage, this nevertheless finishes with resonant fruit intensity, mouthwateringly saline savor, and a real sense of energy. I would expect it to perform well for at least 6-8 years. “-90-91WA, 2012-2020