2006 Willakenzie Estate Pinot Noir Aliette
Willamette Valley

$45.00

91
WAS
90
WA
89
WE

Savor the legacy of WillaKenzie Estate with the 2006 Pinot Noir Aliette. Immerse yourself in the elegance of Oregon’s Willamette Valley – a tribute to Aliette Casteel’s vision. With its nuanced layers of red berries, cherries, and subtle spices, this vintage is a testament to meticulous winemaking. Secure your bottle now and experience the essence of a remarkable vintage, beautifully captured in each sip. Elevate your Pinot Noir collection with the Aliette – a celebration of heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. Cheers to indulging in the finest expressions of WillaKenzie’s terroir!

Volume: 750 ML | 14.1% ABV

1 in stock

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.

Professional Reviewer

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The Wine Advocaterobertparker.com WA
Wine Spectatorwinespectator.com WS
James Sucklingjamessuckling.com JS
Wine Enthusiastwinemag.com WE
The Wine Independentthewineindependent.com TWI
Allen Meadows —Burghoundburghound.com BH
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Winecgcw.com CGCW
Wine & Spiritswineandspiritsmagazine.com W&S
The Tasting Paneltastingpanelmag.com TP
Antonio Galloni —Vinous Mediavinous.com VM
Jancis Robinsonjancisrobinson.com JR
Stephen TanzerInternational Wine Cellar — IWC
Jeb Dunnuckjebdunnuck.com JD
Decanter Magazinedecanter.com D
Jane Anson —Inside Bordeauxjaneanson.com JA

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