2021 WillaKenzie Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Oregon

The 2021 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is composed of fruit from Yamhill-Carlton and the Dundee Hills. It's bursting with generous scents of cranberry, blueberry, blood orange, mushrooms and tobacco. The light-bodied palate features understated, spicy fruit. It's silky in texture, energized by vibrant acidity and has a long finish with a flourish of spicy accents. 5,200 cases produced.

92 points Erin Brooks robertparker.com

WillaKenzie Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from Oregon is a refined and expressive wine crafted by winemaker Erik Kramer, who brings extensive expertise in cool-climate winemaking to WillaKenzie Estate. Known for his focus on terroir-driven wines, Kramer emphasizes minimal intervention to let the unique characteristics of Willamette Valley’s soil and climate shine through. The Willamette Valley, with its cool Pacific influences and diverse soils, provides the ideal environment for Pinot Noir, allowing for the development of complexity, acidity, and depth.

This Pinot Noir opens with enticing aromas of red cherry, cranberry, and raspberry, complemented by hints of earthy forest floor, rose petal, and a touch of spice. The palate is elegant and medium-bodied, with flavors of juicy red fruits, a subtle minerality, and refined tannins. Balanced acidity lends freshness, while a gentle touch of oak aging adds structure without overpowering the purity of the fruit. The wine finishes long and smooth, showcasing the signature finesse of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.

Perfect for pairing with dishes like roasted salmon, duck, mushroom risotto, or soft cheeses, this Pinot Noir is versatile and food-friendly. Erik Kramer’s careful approach to winemaking ensures that this wine is both enjoyable now and suitable for cellaring.

The grapes that were used to craft this Willamette Valley expression of Pinot Noir were grown on the WillaKenzie Estate and Jory Hills Vineyard. These two Estates work synergistically to create a beautiful and classic expression of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The WillaKenzie Estate brings dark fruit and energy, while the Jory Hills vineyards brings roundness and red fruit.

This wine offers notes of black cherry, black raspberry, rosewater, and rooibos tea along with hints of baking spice. Those flavors carry onto a supple and balanced palate with refined tannins and great length.