2008 Willakenzie Estate - Pinot Noir Aliette
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Tasting notes
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
Critic scores
Average Score
Josh Raynolds
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Deep red. Strawberry and raspberry preserve aromas are complicated by deeper notes of cola, sassafras and black tea. Deep but lively in the mouth, offering juicy red and dark berry flavors and hints of smoky Indian spices and root beer. Fine-grained tannins add shape and grip to the long, chewy finish. This is another 2008 that appears to be going into hibernation.