Domaine Nicolas-JayPinot Noir L`Ensemble Willamette Valley 2022

The 2022 L’Ensemble Pinot Noir impresses from the moment it hits the glass. Its reflective medium ruby hue is both vibrant and inviting, signaling the elegance to come. On the nose, the wine unfolds with layers of wild berries—think black raspberries and ripe Bing cherries— balanced by delicate spices, freshly crushed stones, and fragrant violet flowers. There’s a subtle earthiness mingled with forest herbs and a hint of toasted rosemary, all combining to create a bouquet that captivates from the start. On the palate, this wine is a study of finesse and balance. Medium-bodied yet possessing a striking viscosity, it dances across the tongue with a refreshing lightness. Fine-grained tannins weave seamlessly with bright acidity, offering a clean, mouthwatering feel that leaves you craving more. The texture widens and evolves as it opens up, revealing a brigade of fruit-driven complexity and structure that lingers on the finish. 1348 cases made. 96 Points, 2024-2032.

A good bit of this wine comes from Bishop Creek, up to one-third, though it includes five to six other sites. ‘The idea of this wine is to express both the Valley and the vintage,’ says Jean Nicolas Méo. It's both a vineyard and barrel selection and 30% new oak. The aromatics are grounded in red florals, with touches of earth and a spritz of spiced blood orange. The palate is elegant and refined, with tart berries, a silken structure and a beautiful finish of savoury spice. We make the barrel selection for this wine first before we make our single vineyard wines. ‘These are the best sites and our best barrels from the vintage,’ says partner Jay Boberg.

A blend of Pinot from 10 vineyard sites, this is approachable but also ageworthy. Fine floral red cherries and cranberries on the nose. There’s a lovely sappy edge to the red cherry and plum fruit on the palate with direct red fruits and real finesse. Nice energy here: very fine with good purity. 96/100