Date: 02/2025
My tasting at Nicolas-Jay was a seamless blend of Burgundian finesse and Oregon soul. Set in the Dundee Hills, the experience highlighted the estate’s commitment to biodynamics, precision, and expressive winemaking. Each wine—whether from their estate vineyards or select sites—offered clarity, elegance, and a profound sense of place. A meeting point of tradition and exploration, delivering Pinot Noir with both structure and soul.
2015 Pinot Noir (Blend)
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Nose: Bright, red fruit, cranberry, pomegranate, bing cherry
Tasting Notes: Cherry candy, leather, vanilla, oak
Characteristics: Acidic, clean, elegant
Pairing: Duck with cherry glaze or beet salad with goat cheese
My Rating: 93 points
2016 Pinot Noir (Blend)
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Nose: Dark fruit, red fruit, earthy notes
Tasting Notes: Leather, touch of funk, blue fruit
Characteristics: Acidic, layered, complex, rich
Pairing: Braised lamb shank or mushroom risotto
My Rating: 92 points
2021 Meo-Camuzet Frère & Soeurs, Gevrey-Chambertin
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Nose: Silky, velvety
Tasting Notes: Round and ready
Characteristics: Elegant, soft structure
Pairing: Roast chicken or pork loin with herbs
My Rating: 92 points
2022 Affinites Chardonnay
Varietal: Chardonnay
Nose: Pineapple, citrus
Tasting Notes: Lemon curd
Characteristics: Fresh and zesty
Pairing: Grilled halibut or citrus-dressed salad
My Rating: 93 points
022 Bishop Creek
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Nose: Dark cherry, plum, forest floor, subtle baking spice
Tasting Notes: Silky red and black fruit, earthy undertones, fine tannins, balanced acidity
Characteristics: Elegant, polished, structured with a slightly savory finish
Pairing: Herb-roasted duck, wild mushroom risotto, or grilled salmon
My Rating: 95 points
2022 L’alliance (1 barrel Pinot Gris + Chardonnay)
Varietal: Chardonnay / Pinot Gris
Nose: Stone fruit, pear, citrus blossom, hint of spice
Tasting Notes: Bright and crisp, lemon zest, white peach, mineral-driven with slight creaminess
Characteristics: Unique blend, zippy acidity from Gris, rounded texture from Chardonnay, fresh and clean
Pairing: Goat cheese tart, grilled halibut, or fennel and citrus salad
My Rating: 91 points
2021 Nysa
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Nose: Lavender, violet, red fruit, blue fruit
Tasting Notes: English breakfast tea, plum, fig
Characteristics: Elegant, feminine
Pairing: Duck confit or rosemary lamb
My Rating: 98 points
2021 Bishop Creek
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Nose: Dark cherry, vanilla, oak
Tasting Notes: Cigar box, floral, brambly
Characteristics: Round, smooth, more tannic
Pairing: Beef tenderloin or hard cheeses
My Rating: 96 points
2023 Own-rooted
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Nose: Dark cherry
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, oak
Characteristics: More tannic
Pairing: Venison or wild mushroom dishes
My Rating: 96 points
2021 L’ensemble
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Nose: Red fruit
Tasting Notes: Acidic, bright, clean
Characteristics: Elegant
Pairing: Herb-roasted chicken or beetroot tart
My Rating: 95 points
2022 L’ensemble
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Nose: Red and blue fruit
Tasting Notes: Smooth, integrated
Characteristics: Polished and balanced
Pairing: Pork tenderloin or grilled salmon
My Rating: 94 points
2018 L’ensemble
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Nose: Cranberry, pomegranate, red fruit
Tasting Notes: Candy apple, vanilla, oak
Characteristics: Bright, clean, acidic, layered, smooth
Pairing: Seared duck breast or spiced lentils
My Rating: 95 points
2019 L’ensemble
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Nose: Red and blue fruit
Tasting Notes: Slight earthiness, smooth, leather
Characteristics: Clean, still, acidic
Pairing: Grilled lamb or mushroom tart
My Rating: 93 points
