King Estate Winery has the largest contiguous organic vineyards in North America. It is also one of the largest producers in Oregon producing over 400k cases of wine a year. The family owned facility is impressive with a production facility that seems like stretches for miles under the beautiful tasting room and restaurant located on site.
The large production at this facility means that they are one of the flag bearers for Oregon wine. Wine making is the point where art and business cross paths. You need to make wine that can be sold for a fair price, but also something that is affable for the market. The bottom line is your wine is probably going to be the first bottle of Oregon wine that many people taste… it has to be good enough to convince people to buy a second. To the people at King Estate, mission accomplished.
2014 King Pinot Gris – **** – There is a satisfying mineral note that goes from start to finish on this wine. The fruit is subtle with flavours of apple and bright crisp acidity.
2014 Chardonnay – **** – This feels like an orchard with aromas of apple and citrus on the nose. There is a slight baking spice note on the nos and on the finish of this wine. The use of oak is very subtle and well integrated to the point where this wine nearly tastes as though it has never touched a barrel at all.
2014 Pinot Noir – **** – The nose is complex and rich with a nice earthiness, and a heavy violet note layered over dark cherry. On the palate this is soft and balanced – compared to the nose the fruit really drives the wine home with ripe and dark cherry.
