Nicolas-Jay L'Ensemble Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023 (750ML)

93 Points, Eric Guido, Vinous: "A whiff of sweet lavender, basil and sage gives way to crushed wild strawberries and nuances of autumnal spice as the 2023 Pinot Noir L'Ensemble evolves in the glass. Ripe red and blue fruits soothe the senses, elevated by a cascade of inner florals, while a pulse of tantalizing acidity maintains fantastic energy. A sour citrus twang pinches at the cheeks as the 2023 tapers off with sweet herbal tones and a tinge of licorice that calls the taster back to the glass for more." 07/25

95 Points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter: "Intense violets mark the aromatics of this top Pinot Noir bottling from Nicolas Jay, an assemblage of sites from the Willamette Valley. Blue fruits combine with dark florals, and a flourish of forest pine and turned earth. The palate is beautifully textured and classically Oregon, with taut blue and black fruits, sweet Oregon blackberry, pomegranate pulp, and a silken, fruited finish with just a dash of forest-floor minerality." 09/25

93 Points, Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com: "With 26% new oak in this riper vintage, the bright red 2023 Pinot Noir L'Ensemble is sourced from all the vineyards they use. In the glass, it shows off notes of ripe cherries, forest herbs, pomegranate, pressed flowers, and fresh orange peel. Medium-bodied, it retains a lovely, refreshing nature in this warmer vintage, offering a lot of pleasure upfront, with a wide window for enjoyment over the next 8-10 years." 08/25