King Estate Goes Beyond Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir

During a recent visit to Oregon, I sampled a number of current releases from King Estate Winery, located about 30 miles south of Eugene.

The winery produces three distinct wine labels sourced from Oregon vineyards: Acrobat, Signature and Domaine, while a fourth label, North by Northwest (NxNW), sources grapes from the Columbia and Walla Walla Valley Appellations that are shared by Washington and Oregon.

These are all excellent wines, and you’ll find the Acrobat Pinot Gris (about $12) and Pinot Noir (about $18) along with the Signature labels in wine shops and grocers throughout Whatcom County. The Domaine and NxNW labels are made in smaller quantities, but are available for purchase at the tasting room and on line.

Here are my tasting notes on a few favorites:

Signature 2011 Pinot Gris (about $17) – I couldn’t get enough of this tasty white wine with its zingy notes of kiwi, honeydew melon, pear, and white peach. Serve it well-chilled with a salad of fresh greens for starters.

Signature 2011 Pinot Noir – Vin Gris (about $18) – An incredible must-try wine for rosé fanatics. A fragrant bouquet of wild strawberries leads to strawberry, rhubarb and guava flavors and the initially crisp finish gives way to a creamy, viscous crescendo.

Signature 2010 Chardonnay (about $18) – This Burgundian-style chardonnay is aged sur lies while spending six months in 100-percent French oak. Butterscotch on the nose, with beautiful baked apple flavors that end on a note of citrus cream. Outstanding!

Signature 2010 Pinot Noir (about $29) – Aromatics of cigar box and spice combine with a mouthful of reserved red cherry and vanilla flavors. There’s also a pleasant, lingering hint of smoky earthiness on the finish.

NxNW 2010 Riesling (about $12) – This bargain-priced riesling is bright, tropical and brimming with flavors of fresh pineapple, lime zest, Fuji apple and a touch of minerality.

NxNW 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (about $25) – Complex, layered flavors of plum, dark berries, licorice, and black olive and soft, round tannins with notes of toasted coconut make this an exquisite (and underpriced) cabernet worth savoring.

Domaine 2008 Pinot Noir (about $65) – Lovely floral and berry aromas lead off, with bright cherry and raspberry flavors on the palate to provide a bit of lift. A whisper of warm vanilla adds an almost silky quality to the lingering finish.

For more information and to order wines: kingestate.com.