J. Christopher Basalte Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains 2019

J. Christopher has been doing their thing in Oregon since ’96, and let me tell you, they’ve got it dialed in. It’s run by the mastermind behind this operation – Erni Loosen. If that name rings a bell, it should. This guy’s the force behind Dr. Loosen, one of Germany’s top-tier wineries.

But here’s the kicker: Erni’s been eyeing Oregon since the early ’90s, way before it was trendy. He saw the potential in those hills when most folks were still fixated on Napa. That’s the kind of foresight that separates the good from the great.

Now, I’m not one for press hype, but when Wine Spectator gives something their top spot in Smart Buy Selections and slaps a 93-point score on it, you know it’s worth paying attention. Luckily, I’m a little out in front of the publication of this in their fall release. Once it hits the web, good luck. But here’s the kicker – this isn’t some overpriced, hard-to-find bottle. We’re talking under $30 here, folks. That’s what we call a steal.