James Suckling 2026 Oregon Tasting Report: Nicolas-Jay Earns 99 Points
Written by Courtney Humiston in James Suckling
June 30, 2026
Pinot Noir Exceptionalism and the Ascent of Chardonnay
“Winemakers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley are celebrating two exceptional but quite different recent vintages as they roll out their 2023 and 2024 pinot noirs and chardonnays, but both years are so good that winemakers are splitting hairs over which is better.
These were just two of the dozens of winemakers across the Willamette Valley that we met with over the past year while we tasted our way through a record 1,300 Oregon wines. Our own take is that pinot noir, which has been the star of the Willamette Valley for the last three decades, has never been better, while chardonnay, as we reported in depth earlier this year, is increasingly a well-deserved part of the conversation.”
Nicolas Jay Pinot Noir McMinnville Momtazi 2024
99 Points | Members Only
“This is a gorgeous wine from an exceptional vintage. Subtle, fresh and vibrant, with beautiful aromas of wild berries, forest botanicals, lavender and sage. Elegant and medium-bodied with wonderful tension and balance of bright acidity and fine tannins on the palate. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
Nicolas Jay Pinot Noir Own-Rooted 2024
98 Points
“Initial aromas of red earth and savory herbs, with delicate floral aromas coming out with time in the glass. Sumptuous and elegant, with wonderful textural acidity, fine tannins and a long finish that brings in flavors of orange peel and wild berries. Medium-bodied. From 35- to 50-year-old vines. Delicious now, but has more to reveal with time. Drink or hold.”
Nicolas Jay Chardonnay Spirit Hill 2024
97 Points | Members Only
“Aromas of lemons, cardamom, orchard blossoms and chalk. Wonderful length and texture on the palate, with a long, thirst-quenching, mouthwatering finish. Delicious and complex. Medium-bodied. Drink or hold.”
Nicolas Jay Pinot Noir Temperance Hill 2024
97 Points | Members Only
“Wonderful pure aromas of red fruit, herbs, forest botanicals and minerals. Incredibly fresh, with a juicy mid-palate framed by fine tannins. The finish is mouthwatering with a pleasing gentle orange peel bitterness at the end. Medium-bodied. Drink or hold.”