Winemaker Notes
This 2018 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.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of cherries, redcurrants, red plums, violets, cola and bay leaves. It’s medium-bodied with sleek tannins and crisp acidity. Ripe and juicy with fruity character. Supple finish. Drink now.
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Wine Enthusiast
King Estate produces as many as 15 different Pinot Noirs in a single vintage. This wine is sourced from multiple vineyards, all Willamette Valley sites, and crafted into a standout example of the regional style. Supple, juicy berry and cherry fruits are accented by citrus highlights. The tannins are modest and the finish trails off with a nice touch of toast. Editors’ Choice
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Wine Spectator
Vibrant and fresh, with lively cherry, spiced cinnamon and violet accents that finish on a crisp and refreshing note. Drink now.
Home of some of the planet’s most amazingly elegant and expressive Pinot noir, the Willamette Valley is a pastoral, mixed landscape of green, bucolic rolling hills, dramatic forestlands and small, independent, friendly wine growers. As a leader in environmental stewardship, the valley has some of the nation’s most protective land use policies, with two-thirds of its vineyards farmed sustainably and over half, organically. While the valley claims a cool, continental climate, and is heavily influenced by the cold, moist winds of the Pacific Ocean, its warm and dry summers allow for the steady, even ripening of Pinot noir.
The potential of Willamette Valley Pinot noir continues to attract the investment of serious growers and winemakers both locally and from abroad, as naturally the finished wines bring accolades from professionals and enthusiasts. With a range of styles from delicate dried cherry, raspberry and hibiscus to stronger notes of truffle, mocha, plum and spice, a fine Willamette Valley Pinot noir is a perfect expression of both character and grace.