J. Christopher Pinot Noir Nuages 2011

The Nuages Pinot Noir is selected from the winery's neighboring vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. The name "Nuages," which is French for "clouds," pays homage to the moderating influence of Oregon's autumn cloud cover, which slows ripening to allow for the long hang time that creates fully developed flavors.

The 2011 Nuages includes barrels from the Adams, Lia's, and Olenik vineyards. It has a graceful power on the palate, with very pure fruit accented by captivating spice and herbal notes. The structure is firm and dense, as is typical of this geologically diverse AVA, and there is good length to the finish.