Wine & Spirits – 91 Points
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.
Wine Advocate – 90 Points
the 2006 Pinot Noir Aliete was sourced from a site planted in 1992 to the Pommard clone. It was aged for 14 months in 50% new French oak. 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. Oct/2009 —Jay S Miller
Willakenzie Estate remains a reliable source for well-made and fairly priced Pinot Noir. Their vineyard-designated wine are held back for an additional year before release so these 2006s are the current offerings. The differences between the various vineyard designates are subtle (each parcel has its own clonal selection, exposure, and age of vines); personally I would like to see a cuvee of the top barrels encompassing all of these sites for purposes of comparison but, alas, they do not make one.
Wine Enthusiast – 89 Points
WillaKenzie’s Aliette Pinot Noir is a pretty, feminine wine, aromatic with baking spices and supple in the mouth. Mixed red fruits suggest wild berries—especially raspberries—and the wine has a stylish elegance through a firm, spicy finish. Dec/2009 —Paul Gregutt
Description
The 2006 WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir Aliette is a noteworthy chapter in the winemaking legacy of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Nestled in the heart of the region, WillaKenzie Estate has established itself as a producer of exceptional Pinot Noir, and the Aliette is a standout expression of the estate’s dedication to crafting wines of elegance and complexity.
The Aliette pays homage to Aliette Casteel, a respected figure in the Oregon wine industry and one of the founders of WillaKenzie Estate. This vintage is a tribute to her vision and influence, reflecting the meticulous vineyard practices and winemaking expertise that have become synonymous with WillaKenzie.
In 2006, favorable weather conditions in the Willamette Valley allowed for optimal ripening of Pinot Noir grapes, resulting in wines of great depth and character. The Aliette showcases a beautiful garnet hue and opens with a bouquet of red berries, dark cherries, and subtle floral notes.
On the palate, the wine unfolds with layers of complexity. Ripe raspberry and black cherry flavors are complemented by hints of spice, earth, and a touch of oak. The tannins are supple, contributing to a silky texture that lingers through the graceful finish.
The 2006 Aliette embodies the estate’s commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, allowing the unique terroir of WillaKenzie to shine through. This Pinot Noir, named in honor of a pioneer in Oregon’s wine industry, captures the essence of a remarkable vintage and stands as a testament to WillaKenzie Estate’s dedication to producing wines that reflect the spirit of the land and the people behind its success.
Nestled in the heart of Oregon’s esteemed Willamette Valley, WillaKenzie Estate stands as a testament to the pursuit of excellence in Pinot Noir. Established in 1991 by Bernard and Ronni Lacroute, the estate took its name from the sedimentary soil prevalent in the region, known as Willakenzie soil. This distinct terroir, coupled with a commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, has shaped WillaKenzie Estate into a revered producer of premium wines.
The Lacroutes, drawn to the beauty and potential of the land, recognized that Willamette Valley had the ideal conditions for growing world-class Pinot Noir. They embarked on a mission to create a vineyard that would showcase the nuances of the terroir and the unique characteristics of the grape.
WillaKenzie Estate’s portfolio is led by its flagship Pinot Noir, which is crafted from multiple clones and blocks within the estate vineyards. The estate’s commitment to organic and sustainable farming ensures that the vines thrive in harmony with the land, producing grapes that truly reflect the terroir. The winemaking team, led by Winemaker Erik Kramer, employs a combination of traditional and modern techniques to capture the essence of the fruit while allowing the wines to express the complexity and elegance inherent in WillaKenzie’s terroir.
In addition to Pinot Noir, WillaKenzie Estate also produces other varietals such as Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Each wine is a reflection of the estate’s dedication to precision winemaking and sustainable viticulture.
The legacy of WillaKenzie Estate extends beyond the vineyards. The winery’s commitment to environmental stewardship earned it LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certification, underscoring its dedication to sustainability. The estate’s picturesque setting, with panoramic views of the Chehalem Mountains, has also made it a sought-after destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a unique and immersive experience.
WillaKenzie Estate’s influence reaches beyond its own vineyards, contributing to the broader Willamette Valley wine community. As a pioneering force in the region, the estate has played a crucial role in elevating the reputation of Oregon wines on the global stage.
In essence, WillaKenzie Estate is a story of passion, vision, and a deep connection to the land. From the meticulous farming practices to the artistry in the cellar, each bottle reflects the dedication of the Lacroute family and the entire team to producing wines that capture the essence of Willamette Valley’s terroir and contribute to the ongoing narrative of Oregon’s winemaking excellence.
Wine Advocate (WA)
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Founded in 1978 by Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate revolutionized the wine industry with its adoption of the 100-point scoring system. It quickly became the most influential source of wine ratings globally, especially for Bordeaux, Rhône, and California wines. Parker’s precise palate and fearless opinions gained him a loyal readership. Today, under the editorial leadership of Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and a team of regional specialists like Joe Czerwinski and William Kelley, the publication continues to deliver deeply researched, blind-tasted reviews with global reach. It remains subscription-based and independent, with over 30,000 wines reviewed each year.
Wine Spectator (WS)
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Wine Spectator has been a staple of the wine world since its founding in 1976 by Bob Morrisey. Purchased shortly after by Marvin R. Shanken, the publication grew into the most widely read wine magazine in the U.S. It is known for its blind tastings, detailed vintage charts, consumer-focused reviews, and accessible scoring system. Its famous “Top 100 Wines” list each year influences buying trends across the industry. With a team of dedicated critics covering nearly every wine-producing region on Earth, Wine Spectator remains a trusted name for both collectors and casual drinkers alike, reaching millions in both print and digital formats.
James Suckling (JS)
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Wine Enthusiast (WE)
Wine Ratings, Lifestyle, and Buying Guide
Since 1979, Wine Enthusiast has published wine reviews, buying guides, and lifestyle content for both entry-level drinkers and experienced collectors. The magazine evaluates thousands of wines annually using a 100-point scale and offers detailed, easy-to-understand tasting notes. Its team includes regional editors specializing in North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere. Wine Enthusiast also provides wine accessories and hosts wine events. It’s known for its strong online presence and educational tone, making it one of the most accessible and widely read wine publications in the United States.
The Wine Independent (TWI)
Subscription-Based, Critically-Researched Wine Analysis
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Burghound (BH)
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Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (CGCW)
Decades of California-Centric Ratings and Commentary
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Wine & Spirits (W&S)
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The Tasting Panel (TP)
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Decanter Magazine (D)
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Founded in 1975, Decanter is the UK’s oldest consumer wine publication. It has built a global reputation for thoughtful commentary, extensive blind tastings, and the annual Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the largest and most respected wine competitions. With contributors including Steven Spurrier, Jane Anson, and Andrew Jefford, Decanter provides wine education, interviews, travel features, and expert reviews. Its editorial voice reflects a balance of Old World tradition and New World curiosity.
Jane Anson (JA)
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Tasting Book ~ (TB)
Global Collector-Sourced Ratings and Reviews
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