A day in the Willamette Valley at J. Christopher Wines

On Monday, May 6, The Portland Bottle Shop team loaded up and headed to wine country to visit the ever-popular J. Christopher Winery. 

J. Christopher Wines, nestled in the Chehalem Mountains AVA of the Willamette Valley, Oregon, is a testament to a New World wine made in the unhurried Old World style. Their wine creations include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and more. Their patient approach to winemaking allows each wine to fully express its origin, whether it's the Old World or the New.

Upon arrival, we were taken on a tour of the wine caves. Five manufactured caves house J. Christopher's many delicious wines. The caves allow the wines to be kept in a temperature-controlled atmosphere without the need for additional resources. 

Our visit was hosted by Timothy Malone, the heart and soul of J. Christopher's winemaking. Timothy, who also creates wine under his own label, Timothy Malone Wines, started his journey with J. Christopher back in 2006. His personal touch and unwavering dedication to his craft are not just evident but palpable in every bottle.

In 2020, Tim was asked to return to J. Christopher as their full-time winemaker. And thankfully so, as we get to indulge in their delicious wines. 

J. Christopher's vineyards are home to 11 different soil types, thanks to geology, the creation of the coastal range, volcanic mud and the Missoula floods from years ago, which brought soil from other areas. Most of the wines of the J. Christopher label are grown in higher-elevation soil.

After we toured the vineyards caves and tasted a few of Tim's personal wines, we were treated to a tasting and charcuterie boards in the tasting room.

Tim walked us through five varieties, each exceptional in their own way.

We started with the 2019 Basalte Pinot Noir, which was matured for 18 months in barrels. Tim informed us that all J. Christopher wines are matured for at least 18 months before tasting to determine whether they need to mature more, a nod to their Old World winemaking style.

From there, we moved on to the 2019 Volcanique Pinot Noir. The grapes from this wine come from the Dundee Hills, and it was a crowd favorite.

We rounded out the Pinots with the 2018 Medici Vineyard Pinot Noir. The grapes from this bottle were planted in 1976, giving the wine great complexity.

Next, we moved on to some whites with the 2019 Sol Et Soliel Chardonnay. This particular Chardonnay was created using a reductive winemaking process. This means letting the grapes do their thing without the presence of oxygen. This allows the primary fruit to come off and creates a more robust flavor integration with more nuance.

Lastly, we tasted the 2023 Chehalem Mtns Sauvignon Blanc. This one was a quick change from our previous sips. The strong melon scent hits your nose, followed by the delicious fruity flavors. This one begs for a sunny day and a patio.

The winery's unwavering commitment to quality and terroir-driven winemaking has earned it critical acclaim and a loyal following. J. Christopher Wines is a must-visit in the Willamette Valley. If you can't make the trek out to visit them, stop by the Bottle Shop and pick up a variety of theirs from our shelves.

Timothy Malone Friday Night Tasting

If you want to learn more about J. Christopher and Timothy Malone Wines, join us on Friday, May 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm for our Friday night tasting. Tim will be here to answer all of your questions while you taste a variety of wines.

Oregon Case of the Month

May's Case of the Month is assembled in honor of Oregon Wine Month! Not just Pinots and Chardonnays, we highlighted the breadth of innovation and creativity in Oregon wine-making, as well as our state's history and unique landscape. Here is a taste of what's included.

Van Duzer Estate Pinot Gris, 2023

This wine highlights the unique AVA of the Van Duzer corridor, a geographical feature west of the Willamette Valley that allows cool Pacific winds to descend upon the vineyards each evening. This cool air creates more hearty and thick-skinned fruit, which informs the complexity of the wines produced here.

Patricia Green Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

The team at Patricia Green always deserves a shoutout for what they do with Sauvignon Blanc in the Willamette Valley. Less than 100 acres of the variety are planted here (compare that to over 5,000 acres of Pinot Gris!), making it a rare and exclusive treat for those in the know to experience the light-hearted complexity of these wines. The fruit for this bottling comes from all over the Valley and lends itself to a sophisticated and aromatic expression that one could see themselves crushing all Summer long.

David Hill Winery Farmhouse Red Blend

While fruit for the Farmhouse Red Blend is sourced from vineyards in Oregon and Washington, David Hill Winery is a site of profound historical significance in the north Willamette Valley. The Farmhouse, now their tasting room, was built in 1883 as part of the Reuter Family homestead. Before the era of American prohibition, award-winning Alsatian-style wines were produced here. In 1965, a UC Davis graduate named Charles Coury replanted the vineyards with rootstock from Alsace and Burgundy. These are now some of the oldest vines in the Willamette Valley, a testament to the rich and enduring history of Oregon's wine industry.

Joe Swick Gamay Noir

Joe Swick produces "naked wines," exemplified by this unexpected Gamay Noir. Swick creates fascinating and fun wines that maintain their finesse by using exclusively organic and biodynamically grown fruit and employing minimal-intervention techniques. These wines highlight cooler climate sites in Oregon, and through them, Joe hopes that people can "taste the Pacific Northwest." This whole-cluster Gamay may look feather-light, but it packs a punch and deserves a light chill and some protein-focused small plates to accompany it.

Peter William Vineyards Syrah, 2018

Another favorite is the Syrahs produced by the team at Peter William. Winemaker Eric Weisinger produces sophisticated and ageable Syrahs in the warm climate of the Rogue Valley for an excellent price. We encourage you to pick up an extra bottle of this one to hold onto for a couple more years!

The case also features some other beautiful Pinot Noir and Chardonnays. We curated this case to share a taste of what there is to celebrate within our 23 AVAs in honor of Oregon Wine Month! 

Come pick up a case, stop by to see what else we have on the shelves, or attend one of our weekly tastings on Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30! 

We at the Portland Bottle Shop and the Oregon wine industry appreciate your support of Oregon wine. Cheers!

Oregon Wine Month Friday Night Tastings

May is Oregon Wine Month, a time to celebrate the state's incredible wineries and the unique terroir that produces some of the world's finest Pinot Noir, along with many other varietals.

To celebrate, we're featuring a different Oregon winery for every Friday Night tasting in May. From the Willamette Valley to Southern Oregon, Oregon winemakers are dedicated to sustainable farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques, highlighting the best of Oregon's diverse wine regions.

Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just starting to explore the world of wine, these wineries offer a taste of the best that Oregon has to offer. So grab a glass and join us in celebrating Oregon Wine Month!

May 3 - Roots Wine Company

Roots Wine Company, nestled in Yamhill County, Oregon, was established in 2002 by the passionate duo Chris Berg and his wife, Hilary. Their unwavering commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices is the heart of the winery. This dedication, coupled with their focus on crafting high-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and others, has earned them a great reputation both in and out of the wine industry. Beyond their estate-grown wines, Roots Wine Company also collaborates with other top vineyards in the Willamette Valley, showcasing their commitment to the community.

May 10 - Evesham Wood

Evesham Wood, located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA of the Willamette Valley in Oregon, was founded in 1986 by Russ and Mary Raney. In 2010, the Raney’s passed the torch onto their longtime assistant, Erin Nuccio. Their dedication to organic farming practices is a testament to their respect for the land. Evesham Wood's range of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer truly reflect the unique terroir of the Willamette Valley. The winery's focus on minimalist winemaking techniques further enhances the expression of the valley's distinct wine characteristics.

May 17 - Timothy Malone Wines

Timothy Malone Wines is a small, family-owned and operated winery in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Tim is not only a great winemaker, he’s a hell of a musician (Berkeley trained) and an all-around good guy. He creates some of the best Pinot Noirs along with aromatic white wines that are as enchanting as the Willamette Valley itself. His winemaking practices are inspired by the Oregon forefathers, resulting in authentic wines that truly reflect the time and place they come from. Each sip is a journey through the valley's rich history and unique terroir. 

May 24 - McBeth Vineyards

McBeth Vineyards is situated on the southern edge of the Willamette Valley, just outside Eugene, Oregon. They produce a small lot of 100% estate-grown wine. Their Pinot Noir is made from a field blend of several different clones, bringing out the best of each. Their wines are known for their pleasant mid-palate fruit and easy-going aromas and flavors. These are perfect wines for those who enjoy a truly downhome, farmhouse-style wine.

May 31 - Oregon Classics

Oregon Brand Management will join us to pour five Oregon classics for our Friday Night wine tasting. This tasting will showcase the best of Oregon's wine heritage, highlighting some of the state's most iconic wineries. Join us as we close out Oregon Wine Month with an unforgettable evening of exceptional wines and celebrate the rich history and heritage of Oregon wine!

March Case of the Month

This case has everything you need as we start entering more spring-like weather. Several light, refreshing whites are perfect for sunny days, and some reds will keep you warm on the chilly nights we still have. This month’s case is only $220 (a $55 savings!!!). Check out the list below and come by to grab one. You will be very happy you did!

Avinyo Petillant Vi D’Agulla (SP)

Organically grown Macabeo and Xarel-lo. Very pretty with just a slight spritz, this is a fun starter wine with any app or just on its own because it’s amazing.

Crnko “Jarenincan” (SL)

This wild field blend has incredible minerality and aromas. It is clean and pure and should be in everyone's refrigerator. “…a serious wine for not-so-serious occasions.”

Triennes Rose (FR)

Made by some of the top Burgundian producers around, this organic pink is an annual favorite. Its refreshing blend of juicy red fruit, lemon, tart pomegranate, and balanced acidity is refreshing.

Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco di Sorbara (IT)

This is not your typical Lambrusco; it is a lighter, more pink wine. The mousse is wonderful, and the palate is full of bright red fruit. Violets are throughout, making it a perfect pairing for your next charcuterie board.

Paolo Scavino Dolcetto D’Alba (IT)

One of our favorite producers in Piedmont, Paolo, makes a classic Dolcetto with rich, dark fruit and herbs. It is medium-bodied, has good intensity, and has a nice long finish.

Day Wines Infinite Air Castles (OR)

75% Gamay with 25% Dolcetto blended in. Loaded with lots of strawberries and plums. Plush mouthfeel and very well-balanced acidity.

Rutherford Hill Merlot (CA)

This is a classic California Merlot with cedar, dark red, and black fruit notes. It is plush on the palate with teeth-staining richness. Don’t get me wrong; there is balance there, but this is no pushover.

Deuce Cellars Syrah (WA)

Coming to us from the Walla Walla Valley, this dark plum Syrah is simply delicious. It’s everything you want from a WA Syrah: dark, chewy fruit with roasted coffee and cocoa powder notes.

Franco Serra Barbera D’Asti (IT)

Bright cherry notes pop from this great little pizza wine. Floral notes are strewn with herb and anise—great acidity on the lingering finish.

Biscarelle L’Histoire Continue (FR)

This amazing wine is just a stone's throw from their Chateauneuf du Pape property. Made from 100% organic Carignan, this wine over-delivers like no other. It's absolutely delicious.

La Fortuna Rosso Toscano (IT)

This is all Sangiovese from a top Brunello producer. It tastes a lot more expensive than it is. Bing cherry floats with chocolate undertones. It is super balanced, with a light dusting of tannins on the finish.

Les Capucins (FR)

This is mostly Syrah from the Languedoc region in southern France. It contains everything you want from these wines: sun-touched red fruit and herbal notes throughout the palate. It is wonderfully complex for a wine at this price point. There is nothing not to like. Cheers.

Holiday Wine Gift Guide

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delightful wines that complement festive meals and create a warm, joyful atmosphere. Whether you're hosting a Christmas dinner or looking for a thoughtful gift, this buying guide will help you navigate the world of wines and make the proper selections for the occasion. 

Consider the Occasion: 

Christmas Dinner: Opt for versatile wines that pair well with various dishes for a traditional Christmas feast. Think about both red and white options to cater to different preferences.

Gift-Giving: Choose a wine that suits the recipient's taste preferences. If you're unsure, a well-balanced bottle of red or white wine is generally a safe choice. 

Red Wines 

Pinot Noir: A classic choice that pairs well with a range of foods. Its versatility makes it an excellent companion for roast turkey or ham. 

Bordeaux/Rioja/Napa Cabernet: Ideal for those who prefer bold and robust flavors. Perfect with hearty meals like prime rib or lamb. 

Try some off-the-beaten-path regions and styles: Bosnian Blatina for the California Cab drinker, Swiss Gamaret for fans of spicy black pepper reds from Spain, or Romanian red field blends for light notes of cranberry and cherry perfect for grilled chicken and salads. 

White Wines

Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, this wine complements lighter fare such as seafood, salads, and herb-infused dishes. Looking for more minerality? Steer towards French Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, or if you prefer more notes of fruit like mango, look for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or local options from Oregon or Washington. 

Whites with body: Looking for some white wines that can hold throughout a meal? Look for Cote-Du-Rhone Blancs, Malvasia from Spain, Chardonnay from Oregon, or Burgundy White Wines that offer good bang for your buck: Austrian Gruner Veltliner is a shop favorite with great value. Portuguese whites constantly over-deliver on value. Italian Verdicchio and Vermentino offer versatility without the hefty price tag. 

Sparkling Wines

Champagne: A symbol of celebration perfect for toasting! Champagnes are an ideal pairing with appetizers and seafood or served independently. 

Pet Nats/Cava/Prosecco: These are more affordable and equally delightful options for celebrating. Great for cocktails or paired with light starters and brunch. 

Rosé

Versatility: Rosé wines offer a balance between red and white, making them an excellent choice for diverse holiday menus. 

Pairing: Consider a dry rosé for a wide range of dishes, from roasted vegetables to grilled meats. Look for rosés like Tavel and Bandol to pair with more meat dishes, or for lighter fare, try rosé from Provence, France or local options. 

Orange Wines

Skin Contact white wine, commonly called orange wine, can be a fun change of pace. They can be paired with various dishes, from salad and fish to pasta and pork. We have a wide variety of orange wines ranging from light and delicate to robust and funky. 

Dessert Wines

Port: A sweet and fortified wine that pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts. 

Sherry: A fortified wine that undergoes a unique aging process, Sherry’s versatility extends beyond the dinner table. Its distant character adds layers of flavors to any mixology endeavor. 

Local and Unique Options

Explore Local Vineyards: Consider wines from local vineyards. There are also great local options outside of Pinot Noir. We recommend trying Oregon Chardonnay, Washington Cabernet Sauvignon or local Syrah.

Holiday 3 pack & case of the month

Looking to make your holiday wine shopping easy? Think about picking up our curated case of the month or holiday 3 pack that is perfect for all your holiday occasions. The 3 pack contains a beautiful bottle of true Champagne, a 2011 Barolo and a fun Italian dessert wine. All for $100 (after discount).

Our December case of the month has everything you need for the holidays. Bubbles, local wine from the Wine Spectator Top 100 list, some everyday drinkers and everything in between. You really can’t go wrong. 

Cheers everyone! We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a fantastic new year!! See you in 2024.

December Case of the Month

We’ve got a good one here for you folks! We tried to think of some ways to help you through this crazy month and all you have going on. So we mixed and matched wines for every occasion. Whether you need a higher end white wine to impress a guest, there’s a beautiful Sancerre. Need something to pop open or gift your boss? How about the local Pinot Noir that landed in the Wine Spectator 100 list? Going to just hang out with some friends on a Tuesday just because? Grab one of the wines from David O’Reillys (founder of Owen Roe) new project . Delicious, but won’t break the bank. Whatever you have going on, there is something for everything. Here is the breakdown.

Reverdy and Fils Sancerre (FR)

Surrau “Limizzani” Vermentino di Gallura (IT)

Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc (NZ)

Filipa Pato Rose Brut Nature (PT)

A R Lenoble “Intense” Champagne (FR)

Resonance Pinot Noir (OR)

Dom. du Bel Air Jour de Souf Bourgueil (FR)

Rocks of Bawn Cabernet Sauvignon (WA)

Rocks of Bawn Red Blend (WA)

Domaine Le Couroulu Vauclause (FR)

Stag Hollow Dolcetto (OR)

Vina Zorzal Garnacha (SP)

November Case of the Month

Whites, Bubbles and Pink:

Kumeu Village Chardonnay (NZ)

Pago Casa Gran Malvasia (SP)

Haden Fig Chardonnay (OR)

Garofoli Komaros Rosato (IT)

Avinyo Reserva Brut Cava (SP)

J.L. Denois Brut Rose (FR)

di Lenardo Friulano (IT)

Reds:

Evesham Wood Pinot Noir (OR)

Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres (FR)

Chateau Magnol Haut Medoc (FR)

Timothy Malone Pinot Noir (OR)

I Custodi Etna Rosso (IT)

This month’s case is $226! Which is a savings of over $50!!!!

A day in the Willamette Valley at Soter Vineyards

The Portland Bottle Shop team kicked off Oregon Wine Month with a field trip to the Willamette Valley. 

We began our day visiting Soter Vineyards, a bottle shop favorite and staple to our shelves. Soter is a farm, vineyard, and tasting room at Mineral Springs Ranch in Carlton, Oregon. Covering 240 acres, it is a Biodynamic establishment located in the heart of the Willamette Valley in Oregon.

Soter Vineyards was founded by Tony and Michelle Soter in 1997, although their wine experience dates much further back. Tony built a name for himself in California and has received many awards for his wine-making skills. Michelle brought her marketing background to the business, but her passion for environmentalism and biodynamics set Soter apart from the vineyards and wineries in the Willamette Valley.

In 2013, they converted their 240-acre property into the certified biodynamic farm for growing world-class wines that we know and love today. 

What exactly is biodynamic farming?

The goal of biodynamic farming is to cultivate nutrient-rich soil through the use of compost, crop rotations, and grazing practices. This system takes a holistic approach and prioritizes biodiversity, the integration of plants and animals, and soil health. Another important aspect of biodynamic farming is the absence of synthetic, systemic herbicides and pesticides. Instead, the farm is treated as a whole, living organism. 

We were given a tour of the farm grounds at Soter to observe how biodynamics is involved in the wine production process. It's amazing how everything works together. Down to using cover crops between the vines to rotating animal grazing locations. Every decision is made with the health of the soil in mind. 

One of the more interesting things that Soter does is their use of a falconer to deter birds from eating the grapes off the vines. As harvest nears, the grapes provide a sweetness that attracts the birds. So the falconer brings their trained falcon to come out and scare the birds away from the vines. Unfortunately, there was no falconer there the day we visited but something that would be such an experience to see.

You can really tell that Soter has a hands-on approach to the quality and taste of their wines, along with the delicious food they produce at the tasting room. We were treated to a delicious rustic ham and cheese buckwheat crepe with a colorful beet and parsnip salad. 

Soter not only produces exceptional wines, but they have also made it a habit of giving back to the community. In 2008 Michelle Soter had an idea to create a wine label that would donate a portion of the proceeds. The Planet Oregon label was born! 

A portion of the profits are donated to the Oregon Environmental Council. Their work ensures Oregonians live healthier lives because our air, water and land are cleaner; our food is sustainably produced; and the products, energy and transportation we rely on are safer for our environment.

The Soter team greeted us upon arrival with a glass of their Planet Oregon Rose. These wines are made so you can drink them now, complete with a screw cap, ahem, easy drinking. The Rose focuses on the fruit, which is both delicious and juicy. A must-try if you haven't had it before. Trust us, it will quickly become a summer staple!

After lunch, we visited with winemaker Chris Fladwood who led us through the production area for their sparkling wine. 

Chris said one of his favorite things about Soter is that they still "do it the old fashion way." They aren't in the business of taking people out of the wine and instead rally around the fact that people get to touch these bottles during production every day. 

This is especially true in the production of their sparkling wines. Chris said, "Our sparkling wines are a labor of love." And he means it! After doing the math, Chris realized that, on average, a person touches a still bottle of wine about eight times, whereas a person touches a sparkling bottle of wine on average 51 times. It's impressive how much effort is put into the production, and we're lucky to reap the benefits.

They hand riddle every bottle of sparkling wine on each rack, and every rack holds about 120 bottles of wine or 10 cases. See what we mean by a labor of love? The evident care and meticulousness that goes into production results in a remarkable final product, making it one of our favorite sparkling wines from the Willamette Valley.

We ended our visit by checking out the underground cellar. Storing wine in an underground cellar is advantageous because the natural temperature is ideal for aging the wine. There are 300 barrels of wine in Soter's cellar, and one barrel holds around 60 gallons of wine. 

Thanks again to Soter for graciously hosting our team. It's truly impressive to witness the amount of effort put into making wine, and Soter is a prime example of this dedication.

If you haven't been to Soter Vineyards, we highly recommend taking a trip there. However, if you'd like to enjoy their delicious wines without making the journey to Carlton, you can visit the Bottle Shop in Sellwood and purchase a bottle.