Nicolas-Jay Williamette Valley L'Ensemble Pinot Noir (2019)
750mL / Oregon / USA
Dark, brooding colour with purple edges. A unique viscosity to this wine in the glass and immediate savoury-spices drifting outward. Dark red berries, Hawaiian starfruit, root beer cask and sweet bark emerge as you lean in. Tightly wound entry that compresses, then explodes with prickly pears and pomegranates inside a light shell of sweet vanilla and roasted nuts as its momentum builds. The layers of flavours broaden with a tight framing of acids, chalky tannins and a level of tension that will certainly reveal more complexity in the months and years to come.