The 2008 Pinot Noir Aliette spent 15 months in 50% new French oak before bottling without fining or filtration. Sandalwood, cinnamon, incense, violets, and assorted black fruits compose the nose of this still somewhat austere, structured offering. It has all the right stuff but another 2-3 years of cellaring are needed for the wine to fully blossom. It will provide optimum drinking from 2012 to 2020.
Willakenzie Estate believes in giving their Pinot Noirs an extra year of bottle age prior to release so their current vintage is 2008. The winery has added a new young vines cuvee to their portfolio, a Jory Hills Vineyard bottling from a site near Archery Summit’s Arcus Vineyard.
Tel. (503) 662-5026; www.willakenzie.com