WillaKenzie Yamhill-Carlton Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir 2021 Red Wine

WillaKenzie Yamhill-Carlton Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir 2021 

Willamette Valley, OR

750 ml

94 pts. Wine Advocate

92 pts. Wine Spectator:

"Supple and polished, with delicate raspberry and cherry flavors highlighted by orange peel and zesty cinnamon tones that finish with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031. 1,500 cases made."

92 pts. James Suckling:

"Aromas of dried cherries and herbs lead to a palate of cherries and raspberries with hints of spices. A balanced, medium-bodied wine with smooth tannins and a seductive finish. Starting in 2018, production of this wine was cut in half to bring more of the single-block vineyards into the blend to provide a better representation of the estate. Drink or hold." 

This Pinot ranks right up there with the best that Oregon has to offer. A blend of 4 different vineyards in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, all grown in that special "WillaKenzie" marine sedimentary soil that defines the region. Whole cluster fermentation adds to the complexity of the wine. It's fruit forward and fuller-bodied than most Willamette Valley Pinots, with layers upon layers of ripe raspberries, baking spices, and earth flavors. OH, what a wonderful Pinot! - Wine Factor

FROM THE WINERY

WillaKenzie Estate is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA in the NorthernWillamette Valley, Oregon. The winery was established in 1991 by Bernard Lacroute, who was inspired by the Estate’s dynamic rolling hills that reminded him of his Burgundian roots. The Estate is named for the marine sedimentary soil series on which the vineyard is planted, in keeping with tradition that great wines reflect a true sense of place. WillaKenzie remains committed to its sustainable practices by preserving the biodiversity of the land and is Oregon’s first LIVE certified winery (#001).

VINEYARD SOURCING

“The tapestry of Pinot Noir at our Estate tells the story of how diverse our property is…this wine is a vehicle of telling the story of this unique and special place called WillaKenzie Estate.” – Erik Kramer, Winemaker

ALIETTE - Brings purity and finesse

EMERY - Delivers depth and complexity

KIANA - Adds opulence and fruit intensity

TRIPLE BLACK SLOPES - Brings tremendous power

VINTAGE NOTES

Overall, the 2021 growing season was warm, dry and lovely. Berries and grape cluster weights were slightly reduced as a result of both cool, wet weather during flowering as well as very dry conditions during the summer. Dry, sunny and nearly picture- perfect conditions continued well into harvest. The lower yields and stunning weather contributed to wines with beautiful fruit flavors, richness and balance.

VITICULTURE AND WINEMAKING

Grapes were harvested by hand from some of our finest Pinot Noir parcels on the WillaKenzie Estate between September 17th and September 24th, 2021. The grapes from each block were fermented separately and spent approximately three weeks on their skins before being transferred to French Oak barrels. The wines then spent approximately 15 months in barrel prior to blending and bottling without fining or filtration.

TASTING NOTES

This expressive wine offers aromas of raspberry tea, black cherry, dried rose petal, cocoa powder and a lovely, terroir-driven savory character. Those aromas and flavors carry through onto a rich and sumptuous palate that is defined by beautiful, refined tannins and great length.

PH : 3.61 

TA : 5.2 g/L

ELEVAGE: 15 months French oak (49% new)

SUSTAINABILITY

• LIVE-Certified

• Salmon-Safe

Alcohol 14.2%

PRODUCTION: 1,357 Cases