WillaKenzie Estate, named for the unique WillaKenzie soil with its vineyards near Salem, is perhaps best known for its exceptional Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and a commitment to sustainable farming.

WillaKenzie of the Willamette Valley is one of the top producers of Pinot Noir. That’s saying something in an area awash with excellent Pinot houses. The Willamette is garnering worldwide acclaim as a premier region for growing the difficult grape.

If you’re well versed in the region, then you’ll really know what to expect when you pop this bottle. And if you’re not, this is a really good one to start with, since it is such a classic example of the terroir. Oh, and did we mention it’s 40% off?

The wine has a pretty ruby color, which is slightly translucent like most Pinot Noir, and it consistent from core to rim. The nose is wonderfully bright and full of intoxicating fresh red fruit like raspberry and strawberry. There is plenty of potpourris, boysenberry to found, as well as a hint of licorice. WillaKenzie is a renowned Oregon Pinot producer and this wine is an excellent example of Willamette Valley wines. The flavor is rich and nuanced with black licorice and fresh blackberries. It has a wonderful undercurrent of cloves that isn’t overpowering, with a raspberry and blueberry finish that leaves you wanting the next sip. This is an excellently structured wine that isn’t too light, while not being more overbearing than a Pinot should be - smooth from start to finish! Pinot is the most flexible varietal and this wine has a wide range. It would be particularly nice with something adventurous like a homemade lamb vindaloo.

Oregon’s Willamette Valley, just south of Portland and along the Willamette River is well known for Pinot Noir and other Burgundian varietals. Its deep and fertile volcanic soil, cooler climate most directly affect viticulture. Most of the vineyards in this area are planted in the valleys and hillsides along the river.