The 2005 Pinot Noir Kiana is more typical of the vintage. The aromatics are mildly reticent; the wine is firm, the band of fruit slightly narrow, and the finish a bit compact. Two to three years of cellaring may round it out but that is a gamble.
Willakenzie Estate has substantial holdings of 105 acres, including 20 acres in Dundee. The winery’s release policy typically finds them running a vintage behind their Willamette colleagues. The current wines include the entry level 2006 Pinot Noir with all the rest coming from the more challenging 2005 vintage. Taken in that context, they are some of the more successful wines of 2005.
Tel. (503) 662-5026; www.willakenzie.com