2021 King Estate Pinot Gris Oregon

2021 WILLAMETTE VALLEY PINOT GRIS

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.

WINEMAKING PROCESS: The wine is fermented in 100% stainless steel temperature controlled tanks to preserve varietal character and aromatic complexity. Aged sur lie in stainless steel for four months.

VINTAGE NOTES: A warm and dry spring continued through May. First signs of bloom appeared in early June, ahead of normal. As fruit set was occurring later in June, temperatures cooled and up to two and a half inches of rain fell. While rain during bloom can lead to lighter yields, the precipitation was critically important to alleviating serious drought stress. The grapes weathered a couple of summer heat spikes with no damage. On King Estate, harvest began on Sept. 9 and ended on Oct. 9. A couple of rain systems in September were short-lived and typical of an Oregon harvest. Berries were slightly smaller and overall fruit quality was outstanding.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris Vineyards: 51% King Estate, 13% Goschie, 7% Pfeiffer, 6% Rich’s Road, 4% Slyvan, 4% Willig, 2% Coria, 2% Oster, 11% Other

AVA: Willamette Valley

Alcohol: 13.5%