The Opossum and the Dog

Okay so what does an opossum and a dog have to do with wine? Well to keep this short - Jay Sommers of J. Christopher vineyards and one of my favorite Oregon vintners is also a musician. At the last tasting I was at the music accompanying the wine was Jay's band. One of the songs, I was informed, was written watching one of his dogs chase a opossum around the yard. I am a big fan of most wines by Jay (see prior postings) and happily found three at this tasting that I wanted to blog about as well while listening to his rendition of opossum and dog.

J. Christopher Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - I dare you not to smile when you try this wine. Not that you will necessarily like it... Its just that much of a citrus tart lemon when you first get it on the palate! Your cheeks pull back to that Joker style grin whether you want them to or not. Maybe Jay was in a bit of a prankster mood when he made this wine but I think not. It is a pale pale yellow in color, with definite citrus smell in the glass as well. After my palate adjusted I was very happy with this wine and tasted it several times throughout the evening. Its a total citrus ball to be true. However its has a nice mild rocky finish and leave on the tongue. While I am not a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc, I think this is a very good wine that would be even better lightly chilled with a plate of Dungeness crab with a side of melted caraway butter for dipping. $

J. Christopher Croft Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 - I do like a good Chardonnay... and this is a good Chardonnay! I have to admit I was less than thrilled with a different J. Christopher Chardonnay I had last year. Happily for me this was not that wine. This Chardonnay was bright with a nice lithe scent of apple, mild citrus, and some mineral or rocks. Its a nice sipper too. On the palate I found a less over powering citrus than the prior wine and with also flavors of cool apple such as golden delicious. It finished with a fruit skin flavor in my mouth. What also was so nice about this wine was the balance and acid; it really was put together well. Moderate bodied with just the right even hold throughout. A very nice Oregon Chardonnay without the overpowering oak, vanilla, or toasted nature some can put off. Less like an obtrusive neighbor and more like a friend dropping by. I think you should check out a tasting of this friendly Chardonnay. $

J. Christopher Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2006 - Jay did it again as far as I am concerned. He produced another Pinot Noir that people should take note of. This is a blend of 4 vineyards grapes, including one of Cameron's vineyards where Jay used to work. It is a pretty mix of red and rose petal color in the glass. Scents of cherries, raspberry, rose petal, and a bit of dry earth were what I found in a layered nose. I was impressed with that alone. In the mouth this is another J. Christopher gem and not much more need be said in my opinion. Moderate mouth-feel with silky smooth texture that I expect from Jay's wines. Tart cherries, red berries, something almost peppery, but then with smooth blended fruit and dry earthen finish. Considering the cost we're having to pay for many Oregon Pinot Noir of equal or lesser quality, this is a real wine to find, try, and then I think buy. $$ around 30/bottle