King Estate
King Estate is nestled in the bucolic Lorane Valley about 150 kilometers south of the better known Pinot Noir growing region around Dundee and Yamhill-Carlton in the northern Willamette Valley. Although farther to the south, King Estate lies closer to the cool breezes of the Pacific Ocean, resulting in a slightly cooler climate that renders an elegant and crisp style of wine. The manor house-style winery atop the estate's central hill commands an Arcadian view of the 1,033 acre estate surrounded by pastures and ringed by forested mountains, and a first time visitor gets the sense of stepping back into a simpler time, when the rhythm of life was intimately connected with the turn of the seasons and the bounty of the earth. The certified organic vineyards are planted mainly to Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris and are interspersed with fruit tree orchards, gardens of flowers, vegetables, and berries. There is even an apiary and a charcuterie. But while this manorial setting evokes a self contained community from yesteryear, this is at the same time a very modern place. State of the art winemaking equipment and techniques are employed along with the latest sustainable and organic farming practices, and a world class culinary program brings it all together beautifully in the Estate's restaurant. The pure yet sophisticated wines are natural companions to fine foods. Wine professionals agree: King Estate Pinot Gris has been the #1 on premise domestic Pinot Gris in the U.S. for the last four years running.
| Website | www.kingestate.com/ |
|---|---|
| Address | 80854 Territorial Hwy, Eugene, 97405 |
| Wine Maker | Brent Stone |
| Country | America |
| Region | Oregon |
| Appellation | Willamette Valley, Oregon |
From this Winery
Pale straw in color, the 2021 Acrobat Pinot Gris shines through with bright, crsip flavors. Rose petal elements on the nose highlight aromas of Asian pear and ripe cantaloupe. Following the nose are flavors of fresh pear and Fuji apple. These mingle on the mid-palate, rounding out a medium bodied mouthfeel with a refreshing, bright finish.
Early in our 30-year history, King Estate established a reputation for Willamette Valley Pinot Gris that continues to this day. The Willamette Valley – and our cool climate, high elevation site in particular – is ideally suited for growing Pinot Gris grapes. Made with the finest fruit from our own estate and our like-minded vineyard partners, this wine reflects a commitment to sustainable farming practices in each bottle.
TASTING NOTES
Classic hallmarks of Pinot Gris appear on the nose with aromas of ripe pear, lime zest, peach, honeysuckle and lemon blossom. The wine starts off nice and round on the palate with ripe fruit flavors of Asian pear, key lime and nectarine accompanied by jasmine and damp slate. The entrance is followed by bright acidity that carries through to a fresh, balanced and lingering finish.
The Willamette Valley is increasingly being recognized as a premier growing region for Chardonnay, the country’s most popular white wine. Tracing its origins to Burgundy, France – which like Oregon lies along the 45th parallel – Chardonnay grown in a cooler climate like ours is distinguished by its medium body, showcasing a nice acidity with flavors tending to the tart notes of green apple and pear.
This wine from clones 76 and 95 is versatile and food friendly. Aromatics and flavors are of yellow pear, lemon oil, wet stone, toast, allspice and apple skin. A round and complex entrance with bright acidity left over from partial malolactic fermentation provides freshness and crisp minerality on the mid-palate. On the finish, light oak aging provides structure and spice while the acidity carries over for a long and satisfying finish.
The 2019 vintage is a brilliant example of Pinot Noir from a consistent and warmer than average Western Oregon growing season. In the glass, there is a garnet-colored center with bright ruby edges. The nose has rich, fruit-forward aromas of bright Bing cherry and raspberries, with hints of cinnamon and baking spices. The palate echoes with ripe strawberries and dark chocolate up front, followed by earthy and spicy notes of forest Floor and clove. A lovely medium-bodied pinot noir with Fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity, expect this wine to age beautifully through the next decade.
This 2017 Pinot Noir has a deep garnet color with bright red edges. The nose is expressive with fruit forward notes of ripe strawberry, Bing cherry and black tea, framed by subtle aromas of cigar box and toasted vanilla. The flavors tend toward the red fruit spectrum, with raspberry and ripe strawberry leading the way. There are sweet oak flavors from the barrel aging along with gentle vanilla tinges. Enjoy now through 2037.
The nose comes alive with aromas of key lime, orange blossom, white peach, wet stone and wildflower. Up front the wine is round and luscious with balanced acidity building on the mid-palate, bringing out complex and exotic flavors of lychee, kumquat and pear. Hints of key lime, peach skin, lemon tart and brioche enhance the experience. The finish is focused and elegant.
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In the glass the nose picks up dried rose petal and violets, raspberry and cherry, and clove, black tea and slate. Round and seamless as it enters the mouth, the mid-palate has balanced weight and richness while maintaining lean tannins and acidity – characteristics that define wines from the King Estate vineyard. This wine will benefit from cellar aging. Enjoy now and through 2028.