Oregon meet Burgundy, Burgundy meets Oregon with Nicolas Jay, the new joint-venture between former record label boss Jay Boberg and Burgundy vigneron Jean-Nicolas Méo of Domaine Méo-Camuzet in Vosne. They have known each other since 1988 when Jean-Nicolas was studying in the United States, though it was a visit to the region in 2011 that reignited Jay's interest in the region. Jay told me that together they had spent a long time seeking the right kind of terroir in which to start their project, which they finally found in Bishop Creek Vineyard, which was formerly part of the source for Jason Lett's "Black Cap" label at Eyrie. They also recruited Seattle-born Tracy Kendall, who joined us for the tasting. She was an oenologist at Adelsheim for five years, having previously worked at Torii Mor and Cristom and in a twist of fate, she is back at Adelsheim since the Nicolas Jay wines are being vinified in their winery until they get their own up and running. The vines have been converted to organic viticulture, although both Jay and Tracy are doubtful they would ever convert to biodynamics. The fruit here is 100% destemmed and pressed slowly, higher temperatures allowed during fermentation to extract color and body. Jay also told me that from the 2017 vintage, they will have some Chardonnay, from grafted over Pinot Gris vines. "We tend to have lower alcohol levels at around 13.5%," Jay told me. "In 2015 it is even lower at 12.5%. We are the first or one of the first to pick in 2014 and 2015." In these early days, the production is 1,600 cases and currently sold in seven US States. Obviously, with someone like Jean-Nicolas partnering the project, there is an element of class to these wines, harmonious and nicely poised.
Nicolas-Jay Pinot Noir Ensemble 2019
13% abv
Beautifully floral aromatics with sweet red cherries: so inviting. The palate is supple and elegant with fresh red cherries and plums. Very fresh and delicious with such purity and real elegance. I love the texture to this wine which is just so fine. Real elegance. 96/100 The Wine Anorak
fter years of working with 8 of the top vineyard sites in the Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity, McMinnville and Yamhill-Carlton AVA’s the team couldn’t resist creating a SUPER BLEND to show their BEST OF THE BEST. L’Ensemble is truly a cuvée comprised of the most expressive barrels from each vineyard. Blended for extraordinary depth, complexity, ageability, and finesse. Harvested in small cherry bins, native yeast fermentation and bottled unfined and unfiltered. This wine receives an additional 6 months in barrel to escalate structure and lengthen its aging potential. This blend is comprised of either Bio-dynamic, organic or LIVE certified vineyards only
1145 cases made
- Reference #:
- 16037
- Strength
- 13 ABV
- Bottles per Case
- 6 bottles
- Grapes
- Pinot Noir
- Organic
- Yes
- Biodynamic
- No
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
- Sparkling
- No