From: Newburg, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Gamay Noir
Taste: The wine shows a bright ruby hue with a slight violet rim in the glass. The nose opens with fresh pomegranate, wild strawberry, and sour cherry, layered with subtle notes of damp forest floor and crushed granite. It’s juicy and lifted on the palate, with vibrant acidity and a gentle tannic frame. Tart red fruits lead the charge, followed by hints of black pepper, blood orange zest, and a mineral edge that adds cut and length. The finish is clean, energetic, and persistent, with a savory edge.
Pairing: General pairing rules for Gamay Noir are to match with dishes that highlight bright, herbal, or umami elements; lean into roasted or grilled poultry and pork; and avoid overly heavy or creamy sauces that could mask the wine’s delicacy. The Mesa Gamay Noir is an ideal match for roast chicken with crispy skin, seared duck breast with pomegranate glaze, or herb-marinated pork tenderloin.
About: McKinlay Vineyards is based in the northern Willamette Valley, with its operations centered in Newberg, Oregon—a town that has become a reference point for classic Pinot Noir from the region. Founded in 1987 by Matt Kinne, McKinlay was built on a family winemaking legacy. Matt’s grandfather was a home winemaker during Prohibition in California, and that early exposure to the culture of wine sparked Matt’s lifelong engagement with the vine. After working for several Oregon wineries and learning under more established producers, Matt set out to make wine under his name with a single-minded focus on Pinot Noir.
Jake Kinne, Matt Kinne’s son, makes wine for McKinlay Vineyards, but for his own professional pursuits, he goes by Jacob Martin. His choice to use his full name, Jacob Martin, for his project reflects his desire to differentiate the Mesa wines from the McKinlay Vineyards brand, where he worked closely with his father, Matt Kinne. Under this name, he launched Mesa, a personal label representing Oregon winemaking's next generation.
