The 2006 Pinot Noir Pierre Leon is mostly Dijon clone also aged for 14 months in 50% new French oak. It exhibits a similar friendly personality with plenty of plush, tasty black fruits and good length. It,can be enjoyed over the next 6-8 years. Willakenzie Estate remains a reliable source for well-made and fairly priced Pinot Noir. Their vineyard-designated wine are held back for an additional year before release so these 2006s are the current offerings. The differences between the various vineyard designates are subtle (each parcel has its own clonal selection, exposure, and age of vines); personally I would like to see a cuvee of the top barrels encompassing all of these sites for purposes of comparison but, alas, they do not make one. Tel. (503) 662-5026; www.willakenzie.com

The Pierre Leon 2006 has more concentration and riper flavors than the 2005, with a mix of berry, herb and spice. The juicy acids and very youthful fruit flavors suggest that this wine will need a few years to reach its peak.——P.G.(12/15/2009)—— 88