Early in its 30-year history, King Estate established an enviable reputation for Pinot Gris that continues to this day.
The Willamette Valley offers ideal conditions for grape growing, and King Estate's cool climate and high elevation make it an ideal location to grow Pinot Gris.
King Estate's Pinot Gris is made from the finest grapes harvested from both its own vineyards and those of like-minded partners, demonstrating its commitment to superior quality and sustainable farming practices.
Classic Pinot Gris aromas of ripe pear, lime zest, peach, honeysuckle and lemon blossom emerge.
It starts off mellow with ripe fruit flavors of Asian pear, key lime and nectarine, complemented by notes of jasmine and wet stone slab.
This is followed by bright acidity leading to a fresh, balanced finish.
2023 began with a cool, wet spring, which delayed bud emergence and predicted a delayed harvest.
However, this concern was allayed by a dramatic warming trend that began with bud break in late April and continued through much of June.
Flowering began in mid-June, making this the shortest period until flowering since King Estate was established.
The summer weather was perfect, interrupted only by a brief heatwave in mid-August when temperatures reached a high of 100°F (37.7°C).
Harvesting began on September 12th, with the first fruit being harvested from our own vineyards.
Harvest was then temporarily halted due to storms, but resumed on October 1st and finished on October 14th just before more rain arrived.
The wines of this vintage are of outstanding quality.
Fermentation is carried out in 100% stainless steel tanks under temperature control to preserve the varietal characteristics and aromatic complexity.
Aging takes place in stainless steel tanks with the lees for 4 months.
King Estate is located in the idyllic Lorain Valley, approximately 150 km south of Dundee Hills and Yamhill-Carlton in the northern Willamette Valley, a region renowned for its Pinot Noir.
Although located in the south, it is easily influenced by the cold currents of the Pacific Ocean, producing elegant, refreshing wines.
The chateau-style winery sits atop a hill at the centre of the estate, overlooking spectacular views of the 418 hectares of land surrounded by pastures and green mountains.
First-time visitors will feel transported back to a simpler time, when the rhythm of life flowed slowly and intimately with the seasons and the bounty of the earth.
In addition to the 188 hectares of vineyards, this magnificent property is dotted with orchards, flower gardens, vegetable gardens and berry fields, as well as a beehive and a pork processing plant, all part of an integrated ecosystem.
The vineyard has been certified organic for many years and in 2016 became the largest biodynamic certified vineyard in North America.
The winery also has an on-site restaurant that offers a world-class culinary program using produce grown on the property, bringing everything together beautifully.
Pure and refined, King Estate wines are a natural pairing with fine food.