Jay Summers founded J. Christopher in 1996 and served as winemaker for many years, but since stepping down in 2019 he has devoted himself entirely to this personal project.
He currently continues to make wine from Pinot Noir grapes from vineyards in the Dundee Hills region of the Willamette Valley that he has known for decades, and says he would like to limit production to around 1,500 cases, much less than before.
Jay Summers' 2019 wines are impressive for their energy and balance.
As with all his wines, this one is sure to age gracefully.
Sparkling ruby red.
It has a broad aroma reminiscent of fresh red and blue fruits, potpourri, baking spices, cola and smoky minerals.
Flavors of raspberry, boysenberry, spice cake and candied rose are supported by a pungent core of acidity, resulting in a juicy, energetic palate.
While retaining its energy, it gains weight as it absorbs air, and the finish is very long and precise, with smooth tannins and sympathetic floral flavors.
This is another special vineyard in the Dundee Hills.
Owned and meticulously worked by Steve Whiteside, this vineyard is one of my favourites.
We began making wine from this vineyard in 2001 when the vines were still young, but over the years the vines have steadily matured to become a powerful expression of the Dundee Hills AVA.
We currently have half an acre each of Pommard, Wadenswil, and Dijon 777 clones.
The 2019 vintage was the closest to perfection I have seen in my 30 years making wine in the Willamette Valley.
The cool growing season allowed for grapes that were not too large and of good quality to grow, resulting in well-ripened fruit but without producing too high an alcohol content.
Definitely a vintage classic.
This wine is Old World style, undergoing primary and malolactic fermentation.
They also brew it naturally, without any manipulative additives.
Aged for 16 months in a combination of new and old French oak barrels, it is the purest expression of Dundee Hills elegance.
JC Summers is a collaboration between Jay Christopher Summers and his longtime partner and wife, Rhonda Newell Summers.
The label features a new moon, signifying a new phase in their winemaking adventure.
Owner and native Oregonian Jay Summers has been making wine in the Willamette Valley for over 30 years and launched the J. Christopher brand in 1996.
Jay Summers, who gained winemaking experience under great winemakers such as his mentor John Paul and Adelsheim of Cameron Winery and Dry River in New Zealand, produces small-lot, handcrafted wines using only the best grapes from the Willamette Valley's finest vineyards.
JC Summers’ philosophy is to make Old World style wines – ones that emphasize focus, length and balance.
Jay says, "We don't make fruit bombs.
I want to create wines that have a perfect balance of fruit, acidity and texture.
We want to create a complete wine that goes beyond an explosive mid-palate flavor.
The key is not to rush it and let the wine develop naturally.
To allow the wines to develop at their own pace, human intervention must be kept to a minimum.
" He takes inspiration from Old World wines and applies it to the Willamette Valley terroir.
When Jay isn't busy making wine, he can be found playing guitar and writing new songs for his band, Portland Cement.
Be sure to check out their new album, "The Road to El Groove."