The inaugural release from Nicolas Jay, a collaboration between French winemaker Jean-Nicolas Meo and music industry impressario Jay Boberg, is a stunning reminder that Oregon continues to hold the upper hand in the world of domestic pinot noir. When they nail it, that is. This expression of Oregon pinot shows tremendous fruit purity, with aromas of raspberry and cherry, and such beautiful structure and balance that it hardly seems New World. And at only 13.5 percent alcohol, it is definitely Old World as well as Old School.
Nicolas Jay, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2014
By Robert Whitley