Nicolas Jay 2021 Pinot Noir Own Rooted   

2021 Nicolas & Jay Pinot Noir “Own Rooted”, Willamette Valley, Oregon
San Francisco Wine Panel Score 96 Points

Offering an impression of aromatic depth with no hint of over-ripeness, the nose of this age-worthy beauty opens with scents of bottled red cherry, strawberry preserves, Campari and sweet-pickled crab apple above a background of toasted rosemary, hazelnut husk and dark earth. It is firmer and more notably mineral on the palate, where cranberry liqueur, cherry pit, red apple skin and cranberry sauce flavors form the fruit core, while leather, hints of roasted beet and kalamata olive, nut husk and toasted rosemary provide depth. Lingering and full of mineral and savory spice notes linked to youthfully piquant, coiled fruit, this is a dinner worthy Pinot that gives promise of something very special if it is allowed four or five more years of cellar time.

Wine Spectator
94 Points
Brooding yet spirited, with deep black cherry and currant flavors laced with accents of garrigue, black tea and forest floor, plus cardamon and other dusky spice notes. Gathers tension toward broad-shouldered tannins. Drink now through 2032. 332 cases made. T.F.