Nicolas-Jay Bishop Creek Pinot Noir 2021 750ml

Just a spectacular vintage from this unparalleled, ungrafted old-vine site in the NW corner of the Yamhill-Carlton district. It opens with anise, pencil led and a gamey quality as the dark-colored wine moves slowly around the glass. After further aeration there’s a roasted plum and cassis aroma, then a forest floor freshness emerges with a candied fennel and balsamic element. There’s a lingering earth quality but as the wine warms there’s the classic Bishop Creek crushed granite and blackberry crumble nuances interwoven with new French oak and dusty river stones. It’s distinctive, a wine of nobility with a long finish comprised of minerals and delicious black fruits interlaced a medium-weight, dusty tannin structure.

Audrey Frick writes: A medium red hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir Bishop Creek grabs your attention right away with layered aromas of gravelly earth and kirsch, as well as potent notes of crushed pine needles and fresh lavender. Long on the palate, it’s packed with structure and is medium to full-bodied, with mouthwatering mineral accents of saline, a balanced seam of acidity, and ripe tannins. It expands across the palate and retains good focus. Drink 2025-2040. - Jeb Dunnuck 96

Clive Pursehouse writes: A floral-driven aromatic leaps forward from these 30-year-old, own-rooted vines in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Notes of violets and savoury garrigue give way to red berries and earth. The palate is mouth-watering, with lush fruit and fresh acidity coming together in juicy berry flavours and ample structure that hint at this wine just getting warmed up. - Decanter 94