Nicolas-Jay Estate Wines
Nicolas Jay produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the old-vines of our Bishop Creek Vineyard, and sources fruit from uniquely expressive sites in the north Willamette Valley. Shop our selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay below. For further reference, please see our vintage guide and recommendations for proper care and storage of your wine.
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L’Ensemble Pinot Noir
L’Ensemble is a carefully crafted assemblage of individually fermented blocks from some of the finest vineyards in the Willamette Valley. Production levels are subject to vintage quality, where only the most texturally rich barrels are elevated into this sensational blend. It took multiple years of vineyard and winery trials to identify and isolate the subtle variations of each site we farm. Then we adjust our farming approach each vintage to liberate a boldness and individualized charisma from the vines that may have otherwise been absent.
A bright, magenta color with pinkish red edges shows intensity, youthfulness and concentration. Aroma sequences immediately leap from the glass with freshness and vigor. There are red berries, freshly cut straw, rhubarb and elegantly perfumed red flowers. A blood orange zest intermixes with Herbes de Provence, cranberries and tight-grained French barrique. The structure of the wine is medium + at first, but as the wine unfolds in the mid-palate it begins to tighten and constrict. Acid levels are earnest in this wine, but there is a broad density that seems to take a combative stance to its brightness as the finish expands into chalky minerality, tangerine spice and an underlayment of crushed river rock. It’s silky, pretty and elegant, but with a grit and willpower that suggests an exquisite vintage made by an experience and sensitive winemaking approach. An argument can be made that this is the most impressive bottling the estate has achieved yet. 96 Points | Inter. Wine Report, 95 Points | Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points | Wine Spectator.
$75.00
Please call (971) 412-1124 for access, or email info@nicolas-jay.com
Although just our second interpretation of this cuvee, we have been envisioning this wines construction since our very first vintage. This really is the collection of the best blocks and barrels of everything we farm. The 2019 L’Ensemble showcases Christmas spice, currants, blueberries and sweet forest floor notes. The front end brings strawberries, then chalky granite complexities, and subsequently shifts back to a fresh cranberry and hood river cherry. A framing of gentle vanilla weight from extra aging in French oak completes the palate. The fruit is cascading in effect, it forms in waves, with precise integration and symmetry that supports the wine’s finesse and power Learn more>
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. Learn More>
95 pts. Vinous, 95 pts. Decanter, 95 pts. WineAnorak, 94 pts Wine Enthusiast, 94 pts. Wine Spectator
Bishop Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir
This vineyard was first planted to ungrafted rootstock in 1988 on tight 5×5 rows of three Pinot Noir clones (Pommard, Wädenswil, 777) in north-south facings blocks. Dramatic elevation changes, rugged growing conditions and an extremely low water table has pushed root systems deep (30-40’) into the porous and nutritionally deficient marine sedimentary soils of the Eocene Era and alluvial sands of the Missoula floods to produce wines of profound texture and immense structure.
Just a spectacular vintage from this unparalleled, ungrafted old-vine site in the NW corner of the Yamhill-Carlton district. It opens with anise, pencil led and a gamey quality as the dark-colored wine moves slowly around the glass. After further aeration there’s a roasted plum and cassis aroma, then a forest floor freshness emerges with a candied fennel and balsamic element. There’s a lingering earth quality but as the wine warms there’s the classic Bishop Creek crushed granite and blackberry crumble nuances interwoven with new French oak and dusty river stones. It’s distinctive, a wine of nobility with a long finish comprised of minerals and delicious black fruits interlaced a medium-weight, dusty tannin structure. 13 barrels produced. 97 Points | Inter. Wine Report, 96 Points | Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points | James Suckling.
Now over 30 years old, this vineyard is just now reaching its stride in producing hauntingly unique wines that few vineyards can parallel. The 2019 Bishop Creek opens up with wet stone, crushed granite and generous brambly blackberry. Underlying the fruit and minerality are subtle roasted meat and game aroma, toasted nut and a general savory essence as the wine begins to crack open in the glass. There is an exotic middle eastern spice, a sweet bark and resin nuance with a by-line of black cap blackberry that pulls the flavors upward with strong tannins and a long, dramatic, tight-knit finish that carries for several minutes. This wine will age for years to come as the tannins integrate and the fruit fleshes out in the bottle. Learn More>
19/20 Matthew Jukes, 95 pts. WineAnorak, 94 pts. James Suckling
Our Yamhill-Carlton estate consistently produces fruit of unparalleled power and intensity, and this 2018 vintage does not disappoint. Black cap blackberry, roasted meat, toasted nut and blueberry fruit on the nose. Broad and powerful up front as tannins generate to expose chalky-sweet, dark berry fruits with snaps of refreshing citrus, tobacco leaf and limestone flashes. Impressive balance between strength and focused intensity is sure to impress Pinot Noir loyalists. Learn More>
95 pts. Vinous, 95 pts. Intern. Wine Report, 94 pts. Decanter, 94 pts. James Suckling,
Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir
Momtazi Vineyard, located in the foothills of Oregon’s Coastal Range, is biodynamically-farmed by the dedicated Momtazi family, who planted vines in the late 1990’s. Nicolas-Jay’s block of Pinot Noir lies near the top of the vineyard, at an elevation of 740 feet, with a north-south row orientation and 5’ x 7’ spacing. Elevation, coupled with cool evenings and persistent winds, cause the grapes to ripen slowly, developing a striking combination of concentration, restraint, and earth driven character.
Concentrated dark purple color on this bio-dynamically farmed bottling. It has all the base-line elements of Nicolas-Jay Momtazi vintages from the past with mulberries, plums and Christmas spice, but the 2021 vintage pushes into new territory. There’s a persistent blackberry note with underlying elements of fresh mint building on chalky river rock. A subtle grain essence intermingling with cardamon spices and freshly ground peppercorns. The typical Momtazi orange citrus appears but is joined by a wild candied blueberry and medium toasted French oak staves. High tension on the palate, with very present acidity that merges with a tenacious tannin structure as the finish lengthens and persists. 8 barrels produced. 97 Points | James Suckling, 96 Points | Inter. Wine Report, 95 Points | Robert Parker, 95 Points | Jeb Dunnuck.
This bio-dynamically farmed 153 acre site in the McMinnville AVA has been producing beguiling wines for years. The 2019 Momtazi opens with dark, saturated color in the glass denoting an exotic dense wine. There is a brooding mulberry fruit entry that spins around a plum, ocean breeze and roasted oak core. A second pass and there’s Christmas spice, prickly raspberry and a squirt of Meyer Lemon. Hints of pink grapefruit are followed by an expanding granite and chalky tannin. The structure and tension of this wine shows that it will continue to evolve and expand with age. Learn More>
18.5/20 Matthew Jukes, 97 pts. WineAnorak, 97 pts. James Suckling, 95 pts. Wine Spectator
The Momtazi vineyard produces expressive and characterful wines vintage to vintage. This 2018 version has vivid aromas of crushed sugared blackberry, passionfruit, pine sap, and pomegranate with snaps of orange peel and zest. A beautiful “ocean shore” salinity to this wine, bramble-berry and cinnamon merge together in a savory, intense core of luscious fruits. Immediate urgency on the pallet with minerality, sweet tannins and black fruits that stretch out into a stunning and remarkable mouth-feel that will continue to unfold in the months to come. Learn More>
94 pts. Vinous, 94 pts. International Wine Report
Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir
Widely considered one of the top sites in the Willamette Valley, the Nysa Vineyard was planted in 1990 to ungrafted Pommard and Wädenswil clone Pinot Noir upon the southern slope of the Dundee Hills appellation. Resting below breathtaking, 360-degree views in any direction is a dense formation of basalt bedrock overlaid by rich volcanic soils between 8-12 feet in height. These high-density, unirrigated plantings compete for water and nutrients and naturally produce small yields of 1-2 tons per acre of thick-skinned, intensely flavored berries. These wines stand as exhibit A as to why the Dundee Hills has earned an international reputation for producing wines of deep terroir character and exemplary textures.
Considered one of the great Dundee Hills vineyards for its spectacular views and, most importantly, it’s captivating wines. This 2021 vintage is uniquely exotic and effusive, offering up rainier cherry, guava and passion fruit essence. On second pass more secondary aromas appear; pencil led, graphite and an intriguing ocean salinity. Classic Nysa texture with a delicacy on the front-end and an enveloping minerality as it approaches a sheer Umami-type deliciousness. It delivers hints of roasted game, sweet raspberries and a juiciness as the wine further unwraps and aerates. 9 barrels produced. 96 Points | Inter. Wine Report, 95 Points | Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points | Wine Spectator, 94 Points | Robert Parker.
The Nysa Vineyard is truly a remarkable place. Perched above the Willamette Valley with line of sight to numerous mountain formations across the pacific northwest is dazzling to behold. It produces an exquisite, ethereal, and captivating wine. This 2019 edition of the Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir boasts of fresh cranberry and pomegranate perfume right at the onset. Notes of cedar, black cherry and English tea flavors blend together into a juicy, high-toned fruit forward palate. A sensation of wetness to the wine is framed by ripe plums, vanilla cigar box and chalky-sweet tannins. The bright acid and beautiful precision suggest a wine with a terrifically bright future and long aging potential. Learn More>
18.5/20 Matthew Jukes, 95 pts. WineAnorak, 95 pts. James Suckling, 94 pts. Wine Spectator
Always a complex, textural wine with a hauntingly ethereal personality. The Nysa vineyard is one of the most alluring sites in the state. Flint, candy cane, grapefruit and crushed raspberry converge and rise at first pass. Granite and slate push against sweet cloves and sandalwood with charm and generosity. A core of acids, graininess and a tightening sensation as it pushes to the outside of the tongue. Snappy precision and focus generates dusty earth and crisp red fruits that sharpen inside a tightly wound core of citrus, red fruits and rose petals. Learn More>
94 pts. Vinous
Own-Rooted Pinot Noir
Own-Rooted Pinot Noir is a 3-vineyard blend exclusive to old-vine, ungrafted sites in the Willamette Valley. Each site is at least 33 years old, and planted at a time when rootstock was relatively rare in Oregon viticulture and phylloxera not present. Our own Bishop Creek Vineyard (1988), the Hyland vineyard in McMinnville (1971) and the high-elevation Nysa Vineyard (1989) all combine to transmit a level of persistence and terroir unlike most grafted plants. There is an energy, purity, and depth around this wine that, during final blending trails, can just take your breath away.
A medium-dark brooding wine quickly reveals dark forest floor aromas, brooks plums and an outstanding candied orange zest. There’s a high level of spice on the nose that alternates between dusty cinnamon, juniper and a sweet holiday Christmas spice. It’s exotic aromatically, and seems to unfold differently with each pass. A high-profiled wine texturally, with forest floor elements intertwined with blackberry compote and delicate pine resin. The tannin structure begins to take hold with dusty cocoa powder, black current and sweet purple flower. It has a generosity in the mid-palate, but finishes with impressive length and tension. 13 barrels produced. 97 Points | Inter. Wine Report, 96 Points | James Suckling, 96 Points | Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points | Robert Parker, 95 Points | Wine & Spirits.
$95.00
Please call (971) 412-1124 for availability to purchase, or email info@nicolas-jay.com
3 vineyards, 100 years of life…1 wine. This is our 3rd interpretation of the fruit from these spectacular ungrafted old-vines and it’s impossible to predict how unique each vintage will be. Right away, wafting out of this dark, brooding wine comes sweet earth and roasted oak. It’s savory, like always, but this vintage is forcing imagery of holiday spices, cinnamon and oatmeal. On the palate there is sweet, dried tea leaves lifted with a brightness of ripe strawberry, candied raspberries and notes of herbs similar to rosemary and thyme. The own rooted vines bring an incredible energy to the wine, allowing for a unique rusticity combined with beautiful elegance. Cherry cordial and pretty fruit on entry, then quickly shifts into roasted nuts and strong savory attributes. Learn more >
Our “Own-Rooted” Pinot Noir showcases several old-vine sites in the Willamette Valley, each at least 30 years old, and planted at a time when rootstock was relatively rare in Oregon viticulture. Our own Bishop Creek Vineyard supplies a portion of the blend, showing off its characteristic black fruit. Hyland Vineyard, the oldest in the McMinnville AVA, sits atop a hillside looking over the Van Duzer Corridor, and its 45 year old vines supply tension in this wine. 1990-planted Pommard from Nysa Vineyard completes this wine, supplying elegant red fruit and spice.
After a stunning inaugural launch of this wine in 2017, this 2018 edition proves old-vine, ungrafted rootstock produce explosive, breathtaking wines. Stones, fresh strawberry, lavender and clove aromas rise effortlessly to the nose. Savory elements on the palate: olive, roasted meat, cherry cordial, cocoa spice intertwined with an intriguing coastal saline edge. Almost overwhelming intensity, with a wetness and zippiness component on the palate that ignites a curiousness about what beauty the human senses might consume over time. Learn More >
97 pts. International Wine Reports, 96 pts. Decanter, 95 pts. Vinous, 94 pts. James Suckling, 94 pts. Vinous, 93 pts. Wine Spectator
Affinités Chardonnay
[Ah-fin-ee-tay] The relationship and connection between different elements. Each vintage of our Affinités Chardonnay showcases the brilliance individual sites can produce when masterfully tempered and blended, with the ultimate objective of encapsulating the true spirit of the vintage. Not an individual expression of one site, but rather a composition of shared connections from a special place captured in a moment in time. The chosen vineyards are interwoven to reveal the delicate flavors and sheer beauty of the Willamette Valley.
Our 2022 Affinités Chardonnay, bursting with notes of orange blossom, grapefruit, clingstone peach, and cinnamon bark. Decanter describes as characteristically Willamette Valley, saying: “The wine offers great minerality, ample smoky lemon peel, a saline throughline that is the calling card of great Willamette Valley Chardonnay.” 17 barrels produced. 95 Points | Decanter, 94 Points | Jeb Dunnuck.
$60.00
Please call (971) 412-1124 for availability to purchase, or email info@nicolas-jay.com
The 2021 Affinités Chardonnay pops with citrus blossom, lemon curd and quince. These lovely aromatics then give way to hints river rock, fresh rain and baked apples. Minerality and wet stone on the palate unfold to reveal flavors of lemon zest and tart candied apples. Tightly grained French oak nuance and fruit driven intensity add weight and power as the wine continues to drive forward. This impressive chardonnay is defined by its linear precision and consistent tension. There is a remarkable purity here, an electricity of bound energy that cannot be mistaken for anything other than a wine of significance and ageability. Learn more >
97 pts. Intern. Wine Report, 94 pts. Decanter
The 2020 Affinités Chardonnay opens with citrus blossom, lemon curd and quince. These seductive aromatics then give way to hints river rock, fresh rain and baked apples. Minerality and wet stone on the palate unfold to reveal flavors of lemon zest and tart candied apples. Tightly grained French oak nuance and fruit driven intensity add weight and power as the wine continues to drive forward. This impressive chardonnay is defined by its linear precision and consistent tension. There is a remarkable purity here, an electricity of bound energy that cannot be mistaken for anything other than a wine of significance and ageability. Learn more >
95 Pts. International Wine Report, 94 Pts. Wilfred Wong
This beautiful, delicately straw-colored Chardonnay bursts from the glass with lemon verbena, white flowers and citrusy perfume, then swings toward orange zest and Galia melon. Precise and focused upon entry, but the tension escalates quickly with tangerines, white stone minerality and crisp peach flavors that push and elongate into a long, elevated and textured finish. This wine shows stunning detail and persistence throughout. Learn More >
18/20 Matthew Jukes, 94 pts. WineAnorak
Bishop Creek Vineyard Chardonnay
The upper-bench of this site features five individual blocks of high elevation Chardonnay rootstock that was first planted in the late 1990’s. Four cool-climate clones (76, 95, 548, 895) are planted across 2.97 acres in densely north-south situated rows. Each block experiences dramatic elevation changes and rugged growing conditions that generate consistent levels of vine stress and, as a result, an extremely low matrix for tons per acre each harvest. A spectacular site in both its craggy beauty and in producing exquisite mountain-grown Chardonnay of character and of ageability.
A light, medium straw colored wine shows a crystal clear and brilliant appearance. There’s the classic Bishop Creek high elevation minerality this site never fails to show off in each vintage right at the onset. An exotic sugar beet essence followed by white grapefruits and an appealing flintiness aroma that is framed by light butterscotch and toast. A finely grained chalky river rock impression across the palate leads the way but right behind it is a sensation similar to a sweet lemon rind sprinkled with sugar granules, the acidity is alive and active but the fleshiness of the texture broadens on the palate and pulls in an almond paste and marzipan component. Extremely persistent and driven with a level of tension that thrills and amazes as the wine reluctantly relinquishes an array of kefir lime and orchard fruit flavors tied tightly around citrus and granular tannins. An extremely impressive wine that will require patient cellaring for it to show off its full potential. 4 barrels produced. 97 Points | Decanter, 95 Points | Jeb Dunnuck.
$90.00
Please call (971) 412-1124 for availability to purchase, or email info@nicolas-jay.com
Quince and white pineapple immediately reach up as this light straw colored wine elegantly moves around the glass. Wet stone, flint, orange zest and tightly grained new French oak begin to move into position aromatically. There’s a warm spice incense on the front end, leading to flavors of golden apple and butterscotch, followed by a surge of kefir lime leaf and chalky minerality. The Bishop Creek Vineyard Chardonnay historically produces wines of determination and tension with a long, persistent finish. Learn More >
95 pts. Jeb Dunnuck, 95 pts. Decanter
Beautiful, pale-straw color immediately reveals a cool-climate directed Chardonnay. But aromatics are not without weight and style; apple blossoms, sugar lemon, sweet herbaceous notes and Kaffir lime leaves are enmeshed around a crushed granite and limestone core. Chalky river rock minerality befalls orange zest and a dollop of cream as this wine picks up its pace toward the mid-palette. The finish is long, expanding and focused and is certainly a wine that will reward the patient. Learn More >
96 Pts. James Suckling, 94 Pts. Intern. Wine Report, 95 Pts. WineAnorak
The wine is still reserved aromatically but shows a pale straw color in the glass and offers pear, pear skin, meyer lemon and wet stone on the nose. The palate is defined by minerality and a vibrant core of acidity. Some oak impact is still present in the wine, which contributes subtle flavors of vanilla and toast. Juicy pear and citrus persist through the lengthy finish. A young wine which will improve greatly with age. Learn More >
94 Pts. WineAnorak, 94 Pts. Intern. Wine Report
A bright wine in the glass, pale straw with hints of gold. This wine is shy in its youth, but is marked by aromatics of white pepper, white peach, waxy golden apple and Meyer lemon. The palate shows the ageing potential of the wine: texturally rich, but with a strong backbone of acidity, and a dry finish with hints of talc. Learn More >
Spirit Hill Vineyard Chardonnay
Spirit Hill Vineyard Chardonnay is a very unique site that captures the pure essence of what Eola-Amity is all about. An older planting at a high-elevation, the fruit from this site is consistently small-berried with high levels of natural acidity and tension that has been of great interest to our Winemaking team at Nicolas-Jay for many years. So spectacular is this fruit, we were compelled to elevate the wine to a single vineyard bottling to show off it’s magnificence.
A medium-stray colored wine shows a dense viscosity as it rolls slowly around the glass. An extremely late picking site due to it’s high elevation, and long and cool growing location, roars out of the glass with urgency. Crisp citrus aromas fill your senses at first, then a loosening of it’s core reveal freshly picked pippin apples and an alluring orange zest spritz. River rock stoniness on the palate intersects with red grapefruit flavors with a subtle tropical fruit density that demands attention. The acidity is sturdy, but not domineering as a deep viscidity slowly widens on the palate, all to synthesize together to create a textural experience of stone fruits and minerality that persists for minutes upon minutes. Our second vintage of this phenomenal single vineyard bottling will not disappoint and improve for years to come. 4 barrels produced. 95 Points | Decanter, 94 Points | Jeb Dunnuck.
$85.00
Please call (971) 412-1124 for availability to purchase, or email info@nicolas-jay.com
2021 is Nicolas-Jay’s first release from this iconic site in Eola-Amity. The wine opens with a lavishness on the nose, boasting crème brûlée, jasmine and apricots. At second pass, there’s an integration of fresh shaved coconut, wet river rock and tightly grained new French oak staves. It’s juicy upon entry with expressive white peach blossom and tropical elements of papaya essence while demonstrating a high level of concentration that further tightens on your palate. The wine slowly broadens toward the tail-end at mid-pallet with a butter scotch and ripe apricot texture. The wine lingers with an impressively long finish, unfolding slowly in the mouth and carrying on well after the final taste. It’s limitless and energetic and maintains a level of complexity that is sure to amaze the most critical Chardonnay fans. Learn More >
95 pts. Jeb Dunnuck, 94 pts. Decanter
Bishop Creek Vineyard L’Alliance Blanc
A wine of ever-increasing popularity, L’Alliance [lay-ly-uhns] is a two-barrel blend of Pinot Gris and Chardonnay from our estate vineyard, Bishop Creek, in the Yamhill-Carlton district. A tiny block (0.15 acres) of old-vine Pinot Gris that was planted in 1995 generates enough wine each vintage to fill just 1 barrel. The Winemaking team then selects a Chardonnay barrel from the high-elevation, upper-bench of the estate to create this small-production cuvée. The result is a Willamette Valley Blanc that is aromatic, fruitful and delicious.
A beautiful straw colored wine in the glass exhibits delicate white peach tree blossom aromas, honey crisp apples and a fresh rain salinity. On second pass the wine doubles down on a deeper peach orchard dynamic with sliced Pomelo Grapefruit and hints of river rock. The flavors are bright and laser focused but there’s a spectacular impression of sweet Turkish candy, melon and tangerine liqueur. There’s good tension in this wine on the mid-palate but acidity loosens and a juiciness takes over that demands another sip. Absolutely delicious, don’t hesitate to pull the cork on this Willamette Valley Blanc with friends and family.
$50.00
Please call (971) 412-1124 for availability to purchase, or email info@nicolas-jay.com
Pink Vinyl Rosé
Whether a blend of multiple sites that form a lavish dry Rosé, or a wine sourced exclusively from our estate vineyard Bishop Creek, you will always be treated to an old-world styled Pinot Noir Rosé that is bright, exuberant and refreshing. A nod to Jay Boberg’s decades of important contributions to the music industry, the package design was created by Carlos Grasso, the longtime artist for I.R.S. Records. And those in the know will recognize the iconic I.R.S. Man pictured on the inside track of the record on the back label. Rosé isn’t what Nicolas-Jay is most known for, but similar to the music-making process, The Pink Vinyl Rosé reflects a creative
impulse, an evolution, and lots spontaneity.
A really spectacular vintage for this for this small production, winery-only Rosé. A glorious light rose color moves elegantly around the glass and bursts with violets and floral aromas. There is a ripe tangerine and fresh squeezed orange nuance to the wine, all intermingling with river rock minerality and wild strawberries. Fresh and vibrant, with flavors of rainier cherry and raspberries, ever-present citrus and wet stone textures enveloping a bright, tense core. An impressive rose, beautiful upon release but more than able to age gracefully for the coming
years.
$35.00
Please call (971) 412-1124 for availability to purchase, or email info@nicolas-jay.com
Note: The below is the design from Commerce7. It is likely to be phased out in favor of the custom design above.