Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Like the Terres Basses, WillaKenzie's Aliette differed markedly from its typical profile in 2006. While generally one of the estate's more delicate wines, in 2006 it has a richness more reminiscent of the Russian River than the Willamette Valley. It leads with scents of wild raspberries, hints of cumin and ginger. The generous black cherry fruit is gripped by chewy, succulent tannins. For roast chicken.
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Wine Spectator
Focused and broad, with generous cherry, tobacco and peppery toast flavors mingling well on the long, deftly balanced finish. Drink now through 2016. 793 cases made.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Dark ruby-colored, it exhibits a bouquet of toast, spice box, and dark fruits. On the palate it is ripe, friendly and flavorful with enough structure for balance. It is likely to evolve for 1-2 years, and will provide pleasure through 2018.
Home of some of the planet’s most amazingly elegant and expressive Pinot noir, the Willamette Valley is a pastoral, mixed landscape of green, bucolic rolling hills, dramatic forestlands and small, independent, friendly wine growers. As a leader in environmental stewardship, the valley has some of the nation’s most protective land use policies, with two-thirds of its vineyards farmed sustainably and over half, organically. While the valley claims a cool, continental climate, and is heavily influenced by the cold, moist winds of the Pacific Ocean, its warm and dry summers allow for the steady, even ripening of Pinot noir.
The potential of Willamette Valley Pinot noir continues to attract the investment of serious growers and winemakers both locally and from abroad, as naturally the finished wines bring accolades from professionals and enthusiasts. With a range of styles from delicate dried cherry, raspberry and hibiscus to stronger notes of truffle, mocha, plum and spice, a fine Willamette Valley Pinot noir is a perfect expression of both character and grace.