Nicolas Jay
Summary
Nicolas-Jay is a boutique Willamette Valley producer founded in 2014 by Burgundian winemaker Jean-Nicolas Méo and Jay Boberg, crafting Pinot Noir from their 13.5-acre Bishop Creek vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton and select regional sites. The estate combines traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques with minimal intervention practices, reflecting both Old World expertise and Oregon terroir through native fermentations and French oak aging.
Heritage & Leadership
Nicolas-Jay emerged in 2014 as a partnership between Burgundian winemaker Jean-Nicolas Méo of Domaine Méo-Camuzet and music industry veteran Jay Boberg. The project unites Méo's multi-generational winemaking experience from Burgundy with Boberg's business acumen developed during his tenure as president of MCA/Universal Records. Associate Winemaker Tracy Kendall joined the team, bringing significant Oregon winemaking experience to complement Méo's Burgundian expertise.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate's Bishop Creek Vineyard, acquired in 2014, spans 13.5 acres in Oregon's Yamhill-Carlton AVA. This site, planted between 1988 and 1990, rises from 350 to 600 feet in elevation and features marine sedimentary soils. While Bishop Creek serves as the foundation vineyard, Nicolas-Jay also sources fruit from select Willamette Valley sites including Nysa and Momtazi vineyards. Pinot Noir represents the primary focus of production.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Nicolas-Jay integrates traditional Burgundian techniques with Oregon terroir expression. The program employs native yeast fermentations in small lots, followed by aging in French oak barrels. This methodology draws directly from Méo's experience at his family estate in Burgundy while adapting to the specific characteristics of Oregon fruit. The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention to preserve site expression.