Wine Advocate (95)

For admirers of refined vintages, the Nicolas Jay L'Ensemble Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2018 is a distinguished choice. Born in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, this robust wine is a testament to its terroir, enveloped with the radiant character of its diverse soils and cool climate. The L'Ensemble underscore Nicolas Jay's steadfast focus on selective grape handling, traditional fermenting methods, and disciplined ageing in French oak barrels.

Distinctively concentrated with dark berries and huckleberry, this wine offers a bountiful nose of rose petals and exotic spices, while integrating well-structured tannins and a superbly enduring finish. Meticulously created by celebrated winemakers Jean-Nicolas Méo of Burgundy's Maison Méo-Camuzet and seasoned Oregon music executive Jay Boberg, this Pinot Noir pinpoints the optimal blend of elegance, power and complexity.

Concluding, Nicolas Jay L'Ensemble Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2018 effortlessly harmonises nuance with vitality, sophistication with intimacy, promising a glorious ascent to any expert wine aficionado’s collection.

Immerse yourself in a bottle of Nicolas Jay Own Rooted Pinot Noir 2018, a remarkable blend crafted meticulously on the esteemed, historic Bishop Creek Vineyard. This Old World-style Oregon Pinot Noir exhibits a profile layered with dark fruit, spice and mineral accents. The unique own rooted vines, kept from earlier Oregon wine heritage, give it a special character. Aged in French oak barrels for about 15 months, this wine shows an elegant richness and texture, a product of biodynamic farming techniques overseen personally by Nicolas Jay and celebrated winemaker Jean-Nicolas Méo. The subtlety of the tannins and the finely chiselled fruit make the Nicolas Jay Own Rooted Pinot Noir 2018 a beautifully balanced exemplar of Oregon Pinot, a testament to their dedication to combine tradition, experience and latitude. A must-have for discerning collectors and enthusiasts alike looking to understand the depth of New World terroir through a refreshing and individualistic lens.

Nicolas Jay Willamette Valley Affinites Chardonnay 2018, a pinnacle of Oregon's enology, represents sophistication and craftsmanship. From Nicolas Jay, an esteemed collaboration between Burgundian winemaker Jean-Nicolas Méo and music executive Jay Boberg, this Chardonnay is emblematic of their exceptional commitment to quality. A cool growing season in the Willamette Valley has encouraged intricate nuances in this wine. Witness a captivating blend of elegance and complexity as it is fermented within a seamless integration of stainless steel and French oak, imbuing the palate with an opulent texture and pristine clarity. Savour lush notes of golden apple, fresh pear, hints of white peach, underlined with subtle minerality and a whisper of custard, a testament to the diligent lees stirring during its maturation. An indulgence for discerning palates, the Nicolas Jay Willamette Valley Affinites Chardonnay 2018 presents brilliance in a bottle, delivering a riveting ode to the captivating terrain of its origin.

Hailing from Oregon's revered Willamette Valley, the Penner Ash Pinot Noir 2018 exemplifies mastery in winemaking. This exceptional pour is the creation of Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, lauded for their commitment to sustainable viticulture and artisan techniques. The wine, sourced primarily from the Dussin Vineyard, assures a pedigree of distinction.

The opulent Penner Ash Pinot Noir 2018 is beautifully crafted, aged in French oak for 10 months to enhance its complexity. The wine enchants the senses with its nose of black cherry, winter spice and forest floor. On the palate, it presents a harmonious blend of ripe berries, plums, and a hint of dark chocolate. Its medium-bodied richness, seamlessly integrated tannins, and excellent persistence make it a standout choice.

For those searching for a wine that epitomizes the elegance of Oregon Pinot Noir, the Penner Ash Pinot Noir 2018 does not merely meet expectations – it transcends them.

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