Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
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    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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(L-R) Jay Boberg and Jean-Nicolas Méo of Domaine Nicolas-Jay
If life is a journey, then winemaking is that times three.  Domaine Nicolas-Jay of Oregon’s Willamette Valley is the culmination of a friendship that began over thirty years ago.  And for the two co-founders, Jean-Nicolas Méo and Jay Boberg, it’s also the beginning of a wine business that encapsulates their hopes and dreams in bottles of elegant Pinot Noir.
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Jay Boberg and Jean-Nicolas Méo, Courtesy of Domaine Nicolas-Jay
Jean-Nicolas Méo, a famous Burgundy winemaker, and Jay Boberg, a music industry executive/entrepreneur, forged their friendship through a chance encounter in Philadelphia; from there, a bond ignited over similar views on life, music, and wine.  Méo’s wine pedigree is impeccable, hailing from his renowned family estate Méo-Camuzet in Burgundy.  Benefitting from the depth of Burgundian winegrowing and making expertise that he was surrounded with in the storied commune of Vosne-Romanée, Méo brought his own ambitions to the cellar.   Boberg, the co-founder of IRS Records and president of MCA/Universal Records, helped shape music in the 1980s and ‘90s, launching bands like R.E.M, The Bangles and Black Sabbath at IRS Records, and managing talent like Mary J. Blige at MCA/Universal Records.  The two men remained in touch for decades, Méo evolving his family winery into an international presence, while Boberg dabbled in wine alongside his full-time music career.
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Bishop Creek Vineyard, Courtesy of Domaine Nicolas-Jay
In 2012, Boberg approached Méo about making wine in Oregon, and recognizing there were many similarities between Burgundy and Oregon in climate and soils, the men made a plan.  They spent two years in Oregon, visiting wineries and critically tasting the wines, in total, they tasted over 200 vineyards and chose their personal favorites.  They purchased Bishop Creek Vineyard, their top choice, and made their first vintage under Nicolas-Jay in 2014.  Méo’s expertise in crafting Burgundian grands crus came in handy, with the focus on vineyards and winegrowing that coaxes the best from the grapes.
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A handful of wine writers met with the duo last year in Los Angeles, with a discussion on Oregon’s wine potential and their future while sampling the 2015 vintages of two Nicolas-Jay Pinot Noir wines.
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(L-R) Jean-Nicolas Méo, Jay Boberg, and Tracy Kendall, Courtesy of Domaine Nicolas-Jay
Boberg is passionate about their project, feeling that “the potential for Oregon is limitless”.  The buzz within the winemaking community fuels their commitment to the brand, as Boberg states, “There’s a group of people that really believe that Oregon terroir and climate can create a wine that is competitive with any Pinot Noir around the world.  There’s a real belief that the Oregon region is capable of making world-class wines, that’s what makes it exciting, to be a part of something up and coming versus something that’s already established.”  And the excitement seems to have spread to wine consumers as well, today it’s all about Oregon Pinots and how they compare and contrast to other great Pinot Noirs of the world.  Nicolas-Jay’s timing is excellent, getting lots of traction from interest in Oregon wines, with a critical mass of expertise and choice converging upon the region.  Boberg has channeled his familiarity with building a brand, and his business acumen in taking a creative process mainstream, and charted a course for success, leaving the winemaking brilliance and decisions to Méo and an associate winemaker, Tracy Kendall.
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For Méo, “the winemaking canvas is really the same, the same process and techniques that I use at home applies here.”  Yet there are differences, as Méo observed, “In Burgundy, ripening is the challenge, Oregon is the reverse, ripeness is always there, preserving acidity and freshness is the challenge.”  Méo believes, “Both can make wines which are true to their region, and not overly manipulated.  You can work with natural conditions in both regions to create something that will be true to the region and to the vintage.”  For Nicolas-Jay, the focus is on the integrity of the fruit, although farmed organic with biodynamic principles, the vineyards aren’t registered or certified as either.  Méo is striving to fine-tune the winegrowing, so that the fruit is where he wants it, and doing as little winemaking techniques as possible.
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While there are many Pinot Noir wines coming out of Willamette Valley, Nicolas-Jay sets themselves apart from the crowd.  Their flagship wine is the Willamette Valley cuvée, a blend of several different vineyards.  Most wineries put their emphasis on single-vineyard wines, elevating them to premium status.  Yet, as Meo observes, “We’re kind of opposite in that our cuvée is something that we put the most effort into, most people’s Willamette Valley is what’s left over after they’re done with single vineyards.  Our Willamette Valley is the result of the very best vineyards that we have, then we blend them together, to end up with the wine we think has the best balance, that is the most interesting, the wine that reflects the vintage, and the best wine we can put forward for that year.”
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The 2015 vintage was cooler for Oregon, resulting in wines with higher acidity.  Méo picked the grapes when he thought they were ripe, “resulting in a wine that is the most Burgundian vintage” they’ve made, more restrained in its leanness, structure and tannins, more Old World than New World.  The 2015 Nicolas-Jay Pinot Noir Willamette Valley definitely reflected this, a fresh and vibrant Pinot Noir that is savory, more light on its feet than fruit forward, mineral notes with an ethereal quality that swirled within the glass.  The 2015 Nicolas-Jay Pinot Noir Bishop Creek Yamhill-Carlton is elegant, with dark fruit and spice, while floral and smoke hues float on a long, mineral-driven finish.
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Nysa Vineyard, Courtesy of Domaine Nicolas-Jay
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Bishop Creek Vineyard, Courtesy of Domaine Nicolas-Jay
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Momtazi Vineyard, Courtesy of Domaine Nicolas-Jay
While branching out into Chardonnay, another Burgundian darling, in a small way, they’ve doubled down on Pinot Noir, grafting over existing vineyards while planting new ones, offering very small lots of three single vineyard Pinots, Bishop Creek, Nysa, and Momtazi.  Still the thrust is the Willamette Valley cuvée, showcasing the best of the year, made with one-third of their Bishop Creek estate vineyard fruit.  For Boberg, this is a passion project, he hopes to strike gold twice in his life, “when you are able to successfully have your avocation be your vocation”, but it’s more than money for him and Méo.  They hope to create something lasting, a legacy for their children and the world.
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Jean-Nicolas Méo (L) and Jay Boberg (R), Courtesy of Domaine Nicolas-Jay
Combining Burgundian artisan winemaking with Oregon’s dynamic winegrowing terroir, Boberg and Méo are looking to the future, growing a small Nicolas-Jay winery into a major force among Oregon’s burgeoning wine scene.  And in May, they purchased a site in the Dundee Hills, where new vineyards will be planted, and a gravity-flow winery and tasting room will be built.  They’ve created wines of finesse and elegance that are the best of both worlds, a bridge from the Old World to the New World.