Founded by lead guitarist Jay Somers, J. Christopher really found its focus when Somers brought in German winemaker Ernie Loosen (Dr. Loosen) as partner a few years ago. This 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot made from grapes grown in four of the Willamette Valley¿s AVAs--Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountains, Yamhill-Carlton and Eola-Amity Hills, is everything you could wish. Silky and nuanced, it tastes of plums, blueberries and forest, an elegant expression of Oregon Pinot Noir. Keep an eye out for the winery¿s more expensive single vineyard bottlings, too (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)