Growing Conditions
We are here as guides; human intervention is minimal as we nurture the rich bounty that nature has provided. The Estate itself is an integrated ecosystem of vineyard and woodland, grasslands and wetlands, orchards, berries, and culinary gardens. Included is a 1,000-ton compost production utilized for Biodynamic preparations. Our vision for sustainability is core to our mission. Our long-time certified organic status led us to adopt the Biodynamic standard in 2016. Today we are proud to be North America’s largest certified Biodynamic vineyard.
Situated on 1,033 acres southwest of Eugene in the Willamette Valley, King Estate is a working farm with 465 acres “under vine,” or planted with grapes, including 143 acres of pinot noir, 314 acres of pinot gris, with the balance in muscat, gewürztraminer and other varietals. Another 26 acres feature greenhouses, vegetables, berries, lavender, flowers, beehives, and a 14-acre orchard with apple, pear and plum trees.
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.
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.
Vineyards: 51% King Estate, 13% Goschie, 7% Pfeiffer, 6% Rich’s Road, 4% Slyvan, 4% Willig, 2% Coria, 2% Oster, 11% Other
Harvest
On King Estate, harvest began on Sept. 9 and ended on Oct. 9.
Winemaking
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.
The wine is fermented in 100% stainless steel temperature controlled tanks to preserve varietal character and aromatic complexity.
Aging
Aged sur lie in stainless steel for four months.
Nose
Classic hallmarks of Pinot Gris appear on the nose with aromas of ripe pear, lime zest, peach, honeysuckle and lemon blossom.
Palate
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.