The 2007 Pinot Noir Terres Basses Estate was aged in 50% new oak. Smoke, earth, mineral, and savory, spicy red fruit aromas lead to a wine with the most density and structure of the 2007 collection. Ripe, balanced, and light on its feet, this spicy, flavorful, already complex Pinot will evolve for 2-3 years and deliver pleasure from 2012 to 2022.
Willakenzie Estate believes in giving their Pinot Noirs an extra year of bottle age prior to release so their current vintage is 2007. This is likely to prove a wise decision because the 2007s I tasted on this trip had generally gained weight with a year in bottle. This is a fine set of wines from a challenging vintage. In addition, for the first time, Willakenzie has made a blend from all of their estate vineyards, held it back for an extra year, and labeled it Reserve. The 2006 Reserve is superior to any of the single vineyard wines from that vintage.
Tel. (503) 662-5026; www.willakenzie.com