2010 J. Christopher "Sandra Adele" Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

Named for Somers' mother – who continues to be involved in the winery's day-to-day business operations – and sourced from Abbey Ridge and Charlie’s Vineyard (both on Worden Hill Road, the former otherwise monopolized by Cameron and the latter, now sadly phylloxera-ridden, next-door to their Clos Electrique), the J. Christopher 2010 Pinot Noir, Sandra Adele comprises a mere 50 cases. Lightly-confitured blueberry and cassis are underlain with dark chocolate and peaty smokiness, though for all of its richness not to mention near creaminess of texture, this finishes with an admirable sense of primary juiciness and sheer length. It ought to be worth following for at least the better part of a decade and perhaps the slight sense of detached woodiness that I also detect in the finish will integrate more fully in the process.