Dear Friends,

In these newsletters we usually tell you about what‚Äôs happening in the vineyards, keeping you in touch with the annual cycle of the vines at WillaKenzie Estate, but the winery of course has its own calendar, so this month we turn indoors with the motto OAK MATTERS.

As of the beginning of February, all the red wines from the 2008 vintage are in oak barrels down in the cellar on the lowest level of the winery. Our barrels are imported from various producers in France, or very occasionally they are made in the U.S. using French oak and traditional cooperage methods. The flavor profile and character of each wine is affected by the decisions that winemaker Thibaud Mandet makes about which barrels are selected for a given wine and the length of the barrel aging process. This information is always given in the Winemaking section of our tasting notes.

All of our winery practices have been under review recently by the Oregon non-profit organization LIVE (Low Input Viticulture & Enology) in order to qualify for their new Sustainability Certification of the entire winery facility and operations. We are the very first winery to be awarded this accolade. Read more about this program as well as Oregon Certified Sustainable Wines below.

OUR TASTING ROOM IS OPEN
EVERY DAY
12-5 PM

WINE EDUCATION with A Nose for Wine on Sunday, February 22nd, 1:00 - 3:30 PM
Enjoy an in-depth sensory evaluation and four different tasting techniques. You will see, smell and taste wine in a whole new way. This class is taught by Fred Gunton, a.k.a. A Nose for Wine, and is suitable for anyone, regardless of your level of wine knowledge or experience.

Cellar Club Members and their guests: $27.00 per person.
Non Members: $35.00 per person
Space for this class is limited.
RESERVATIONS are required and fees are NON-REFUNDABLE

For more information, or to register, please call Sherry at 503-662-3280 x 62 or e-mail ssimmons@willakenzie.com.

2006 PINOT NOIR TERRES BASSES released
One of our most sought-after limited production Estate Pinot Noirs is now available online and in the tasting room. Terres Basses means Low Lands in French and this vineyard is the lowest block on the Estate, ranging in elevation from 320 ft to 390 ft. The soil composition of this parcel is quite different from the rest of the Estate and is a key contributor to the wine's specificity. The vineyard was planted in 1997 to Dijon clones 113 and 115.

2006 Terres Basses is quite distinctive in the nose with sweet strawberry, cherry, and blackberry, augmented by intriguing citrus peel, pomegranate and spice. Dark ripe fruit tones continue in the mouth, with black cherry, cassis and blackberry flavors coating the palate. The long finish carries hints of licorice and mint. The scale of this wine is immensely satisfying, yet it retains balance and subtlety.

2006 Pinot Noir Terres Basses
Retail - $ 60.00 - Btl / $342.00 - 6 Pack

click here to buy online