2021 Nicolas-Jay 'l'Ensemble' Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, USA (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES: 

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.

TASTING NOTES: 

A jeweled ruby hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir L'Ensemble needs a little time to open in the glass before revealing aromas of fresh pine, ripe cherry liqueur, and toasted spice. Supple and medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins, it delivers elegant freshness and wonderful purity through its long, mouthwatering, seamless finish.

- Jeb Dunnuck, 95 pts. 

This blend of the top barrels from the winery’s grape sources in northern Willamette Valley is sleek, understated, lively and fresh. Packed with tangy raspberries, cranberries, orange zest and herbal tea notes, with great acidity and a medium body. Silky tannins add to the alluring tension. Best from 2028.

- James Suckling, 94 pts. 

Seduction meets elegant structure in this Pinot, which offers graceful raspberry and cherry flavors accented by rose petal and savory spice notes before finishing with polished tannins.

- Wine Spectator, 94 pts. 

Aromatically forward, the L'Ensemble is a blend of sites Nicolas Jay works with across the Willamette Valley. This wine captures so well what makes people excited about Oregon's Pinot Noir. Fresh fruit, savoury minerality and umami character. Aromas of strawberry fruit roll-up, savoury clove notes, dusty gravel road and a touch of forest floor. The palate is bright and high-toned fruit.

- Decanter, 93 pts. 

This multi-AVA blend's aromas of blackcap raspberries and sweet/spicy peony flowers are a wondrous perfume accented by notes of rich Indonesian coffee and wet clover. Its bittersweet dark chocolate, lemon and smoked black tea flavors encircle a ball of black-and-blueberries. Silky tannins, bright acidity and a brisk mouthfeel.

- Wine Enthusiast, 93 pts.