Meo-Camuzet is one of the most respected domaines anywhere the Cote d’Or. Until 1988, the vineyards were leased out to other vignerons who share-cropped the land, with much of the wine sold off in bulk. But they had some exceptional vineyards and some more than decent tenants, especially one Henri Jayer. Changes to French laws meant that the family would have to start farming their own land or sell it. Rather than lose his family vineyards, family scion Jean-Nicolas Meo accepted a dramatic career change and took the plunge. He moved to Vosne in 1989. He learned his craft on the job with the help of Henri Jayer, whose approach clearly informs Jean-Nicolas’ own winemaking.
Jean-Nicolas has also established a high-quality négociant business, Méo-Camuzet Frere & Soeurs, buying fruit from trusted growers who work with Méo-Camuzet when farming. And with his long-term ex-music producer friend Jay Boberg, he has helped establish Nicolas-Jay, making fine expressions of Pinot Noir in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. (NT 09/04/26)
