95 Points Wine Enthusiast
This wine's bright red boysenberry aromas and hyacinth aromas join with an earthy scent similar to wet wicker drying in the sun. A wall of sweet red cherries is breached by a battering ram of lemon, while brawny tannins offer support. If the Willamette Valley had grand cru vineyard designations, Abbey Ridge would have one. Bravo.
Winemaking Notes
The distinctiveness and elegance of Abbey Ridge, the incredible character, purity, and balance of 2021, the winemaker's expertise with his favorite vineyard—all of these aspects gel to create a Pinot noir that's impossible not to love. Black and red raspberry, lavender and rose (you will recognize these as vineyard signatures) are just too attractive and delicious; it's crazy! Like I said above: make this a question of "when" you try your first bottle and get some now. -Marcus
There is a vineyard name that every Oregon Pinot fan should know: Abbey Ridge. To Cameron devotees, the name Abbey Ridge means everything. Yet apart from Cameron, you can count on two fingers the other wineries who are fortunate enough to access the remarkable old vines of Abbey Ridge. One of them is here today.
If you have bought Pinot noir from us in the past two years, it's highly likely you've had a wine made by Jay Somers—either Jay's previous label, J. Christopher, or his new one, J.C. Somers. Jay worked in the Cameron cellar many moons ago, where he forged a friendship with Abbey Ridge farmers Bill and Julia Wayne. He's had a small block of Abbey Ridge since 2001—the cornerstone of his Pinot noir program and what he believes to be the best Pinot noir vineyard in the Willamette Valley. While it's hard for us to pick the single best, we certainly can't argue against his choice. When you taste the Pinot he made from Abbey Ridge in the spectacular 2021 vintage, you'll feel the same.
When, not if. Because, dear Pinot fans, that is the only question that remains: when you will try your first bottle of J.C. Somers Abbey Ridge Pinot noir 2021. It is simply too exceptional to miss, a standout even within the crowded 2021 vintage of standouts (and for those who keep track, a Collector's Case selection). Only 5 barrels made, it's a must-have from the '21 vintage.
Jay Somers: I have worked with Abbey Ridge since 1993 (while at Adelsheim) and in 1994 with Cameron Winery. In 2001, I was lucky to be offered a block of Pinot Noir at Abbey Ridge and have been working with the fruit ever since. Abbey Ridge is the cornerstone to our Pinot Noir program and I believe it to be the best Pinot Noir site in the Willamette Valley. Owned by my friends Bill and Julia Wayne, this vineyard is the platonic form of what the Dundee Hills AVA is all about–elegance. We have 2.5 acres of the Coury Clone Pinot Noir.
