J. Christopher "Lia's Vineyard" Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir 2011 (1.5-Liter)

Wine Advocate : 91 Points

(10/30/2013) Suggestions of sassafras, ginger and root beer mingle with fresh plum and cherry in the J. Christopher 2011 Pinot Noir Lia’s Vineyard, whose richness of texture, subtle creaminess and expansiveness mark the riper character of this site, but are combined with a bit less refinement or high-toned complexity than harbored by many of this collection’s other Pinots. There is a vintage-typical bit of tartness in the finish, for now slightly detached. But this has length and depth already and is likely to gain in interest and harmony over at least the next half dozen years.

Wine Enthusiast : 90 Points

(2/1/2014) At first this wine seems rather light, with pretty flavors of bramble and wild strawberries. A light dusting of baking spices ensues, and slowly (over many hours) more details come into focus—fresh herbs, chocolate and cherries. There is more here than meets the eye, for those willing to give it some extra time.