The 2007 Pinot Noir Aliette Estate displays more red fruit perfume as well terroir and spice notes. On the palate it exhibits an attractive layering of spicy red fruits, a bit of structure, vibrant acidity that provides uplift, and a lengthy finish. Drink it through 2017.
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