WillaKenzie Estate
WillaKenzie Estate is located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley on rolling hillsides in the Chehalem Mountains. The winery was named after the Willakenzie soil on which the vineyards are planted to convey the influence that the soil imparts on the wine’s flavors and aromas. The vineyards are planted with grapes of the Pinot family, mostly new Dijon clones of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris from Alsace. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are cool climate grapes, which are particularly well adapted to Oregon.
Sustainable Viticulture: We strongly believe in sustainable farming that respects the soil, environment, plants and people. To promote the health of our soil, we use composts and cover crops to enrich it, and encourage beneficial organisms such as earthworms and fungi. To maintain the health of our plants we use organic fertilizers such as kelp and organic fungicides such as sulfur and mushroom compounds. We have left pastures, patches of blackberry and Douglas Firs around the vineyards to preserve our environment. They harbor natural predators such as hawks, owls, coyotes and vultures, which control rodents. We provide year round employment and health benefits for our workers so that they can concentrate on the vineyard. In the long term these more expensive and more time consuming practices will produce better wines.
“Few pinot gris or pinot blanc wines from anywhere in America – and much of Europe too, for that matter – are the equal of these two wines.” - Matt Kramer writing about our 2005 vintage whites.
727396 - Pinot Blanc 2006
Bright and clear, with a pale straw color, the aromas of the 2006 Pinot Blanc display a complex blend of orange blossom and white flowers along with subtle Asian pear, lemongrass, stone fruit and mineral notes. A pleasing round mouth feel, which ends with a long finish, follows the clean, crisp attack. This fresh and juicy wine is delicious as an aperitif or as an accompaniment for shellfish, oysters and grilled peaches. Drink this wine now and over the next five years, and serve it moderately chilled.
1051 cases produced
727395 - Pinot Gris 2006
A beautiful golden color and aromas of white peach, mango, honeysuckle, starfruit and flint characterize the 2006 Pinot Gris. Lush and silky in the mouth, this wine has great intensity and balance with enough acidity to make it especially compatible with Asian foods such as curries, white fish including halibut and sole, seafood bisque and chilled melon soup. Drink it now and over the next five years, and serve it moderately chilled.
4830 cases produced
732773 - Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2006
Lively aromas of raspberry, cranberry and cherry are complemented by tones of dried rose petal, spice and cedar. The wine is vibrant and juicy in the mouth, with initial flavors of strawberry, fresh raspberry and plum, finishing with darker tones of plum, blackberry and a hint of caramel. The bright fruit is balanced by good acidity and round, well-integrated tannins to create a wine that is accessible and a pleasure to drink. It is ready now and will continue to improve for 2 to 3 years from its release date. Enjoy by itself as an aperitif and with roast chicken, pork chops, pâté or grilled salmon.
7964 cases produced
732774 - Pinot Noir Pierre Leon 2005
With a ruby-garnet color of exceptional depth and clarity, 2005 Pierre Léon displays complex aromas combining ripe red and black fruits, with a subtle smokiness and hints of rose petal. Blackberry, dark cherry and plum flavors create a round, robust mouthfeel that is nicely framed by distinct and supple tannins, while gentle oak pervades the long finish. This elegant, fullbodied wine will complement many dishes including filet mignon, or flank steak, roasted rack of lamb, and vegetable lasagna. A wine of this scale will improve in the cellar for 3-5 years from the release date and age for 10 or more. We suggest that you open it an hour before serving.
1451.5 cases (2903 6-packs) produced
