One of the great spots for Pinot Gris in the Willamette Valley, King Estate is one of the few wineries in North America (potentially the only one) where more vines of Pinot Gris are grown than any other varietal. There is a reason for this — year after year King Estate delivers two of the best Pinot Gris bottling in the state, with their entry level wine and their top of the line ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris. I have had every ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris back to 2011 and I have been pretty overwhelmed with the quality in this bottling which shows amazing texture and range. These also age marvelously as I did a retrospective on these wines a few years back and found them to be standout wines in even hot vintages.
If you have never visited this beautiful winery you are in for a treat, as King Estate boasts one of the most scenic views in the state from their patio. Brent Stone has been with King Estate since 2011 and has become a sensational winemaker, crafting beautiful Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir wines. He has crafted an outstanding new wine with his 2017 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris (WWB, 92) which is up there with the best Pinot Gris in the state. This wine has a wonderful seamless quality that impresses with the great sense of minerality. This is one to pick up by the case. Learn more about this famed Oregon estate at https://www.kingestate.com
2018 King Estate Rose- The 2018 King Estate Rose, made from Pinot Noir grapes, starts off with a bouquet of rose water with red cherry candy and guava that fill the nose. The palate is lithe with beautiful astringency. Red currant, red cherry and guava with a touch of citrus rind connect with the beautiful sense of minerality on the palate. Enjoy this outstanding new Rose with sushi. Drink 2019-2023- 90
2017 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris- The ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris is another outstanding wine made by the talented Brent Stone. On the nose this takes on bright pear and starfruit aromatics that mingle with nutmeg and wet stone undertones. The palate is lithe and mineral-driven with bright pear infused brioche, nutmeg and a creamy finish. The texture here is marvelous and completes this beautiful new wine by King Estate. Drink 2019-2025- 92