J. Christopher Pinot Noir Medici Vineyard 2017

The 2017 vintage was excellent in the Willamette Valley, in spite of a very hot summer and the worrisome threat of wildfires. The winery brought in superbly ripe fruit, the harvest itself was less frenzied than in most years, and the wines have turned out beautifully. Because of the warm summer, they thought they were in for another very early harvest. Fortunately, cooler weather and a bit of cleansing rain came in September. After the fast start in summer, this respite gave the fruit time to finish ripening at a much slower pace, while retaining freshening acidity.

100% destemmed; native yeast fermentation; unforced malolactic; 18 months in barriques (25% new); no fining or filtration