2006 WillaKenzie Estate Pierre Leon Pinot Noir

Specs:

2006 WillaKenzie Estate Pierre Leon Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley

Yahill, Oregon

14.2 % Alcohol

100% Pinot Noir

http://www.willakenzie.com/

$38.00

Notes:

Like the Russian River and Carneros Valleys in California; Oregon's Willamette Valley is the perfect climate for Pinot Noir. This Estate exclusively grows Pinot Noir and does it beautifully. Their current releases to the public include 13 Pinot Noirs and 3 Pinot Gris. Their Pierre Leon offering definitely stood out at our table. The color of this wine is deep and rich with black cherry and garnet hues. We sat and admired just how beautiful this wine truly is.

The scent of this wine is very rich and typical of Pinot Noir: Cherry, Vanilla, and Oak. The taste of course is also that, however the flavors go much deeper than that. Black Fruits such as current and black cherry are on the forefront of flavor with some subtle spiciness of nutmeg and a rich oak aftertaste. Hints of vanilla are present but in no way as pronounced as you would find with a California Pinot. The sips are soft, silky and smooth and the prefect medium bodied wine to enjoy with your meal.

I would suggest pairing this wine with hearty meats like steaks and briskets or wild game such as quail or duck. Seasonal favorites like butternut squash ravioli with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg would also pair extremely well.

2007 Eola Hills Pinot Noir

Specs:

2007 Eola Hills Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley

Rickreall, Oregon

13.6 % Alcohol

100% Pinot Noir

http://www.eolahillswinery.com

$13.95

Notes:

Friends of this blog have been requesting a bold Pinot Noir without the sticker shock that usually comes with it. This Willamette Valley Pinot delivers in all sense of this bargain bottle price. The bouquet is bright and fresh and the color was a rich ruby red. I first tasted this Pinot Noir with no information whatsoever. Upon first taste I was instantly impressed. We all sat shaking our heads in unison which is usually tough for this group. This is definitely a young wine and tastes of one. I absolutely love the freshness of young wines and I especially enjoyed the taste of crisp fresh picked strawberries and rich dark cherry that came with it. Vanilla also lingers on the palette as well as some very earthy flavors even a hint of mushroom. This wine is silky smooth and extremely light. The bottle disappeared before our very eyes...

Since this wine is so mild I can see it easily paired with a wide range of food. Serving it with something hearty like a pasta dish or prime rib would seem the most natural fit for this Pinot. For the price of this bottle you can not go wrong. I would highly recommend it to those looking to impress family and friends without spending a fortune.