King Estate 2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

From one of Oregon’s pioneering estates comes a benchmark expression of Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, the King Estate 2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, a wine that beautifully captures the vibrancy and precision that have made the region synonymous with world class cool climate whites. For more than three decades, King Estate has helped define the modern identity of Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, and the 2023 vintage continues that legacy with remarkable purity, aromatic lift, and impeccable balance.

The bouquet immediately reveals the classic varietal signatures that Pinot Gris lovers seek. Aromas of ripe pear, lime zest, and juicy peach leap from the glass, intertwined with delicate floral notes of honeysuckle and lemon blossom. There is an unmistakable sense of freshness and clarity here, a hallmark of the cool climate vineyards that define the Willamette Valley. Subtle mineral nuances begin to emerge as the wine opens, adding an extra layer of complexity and intrigue.

On the palate, the wine delivers a beautifully rounded and inviting entry, unfolding with lush flavors of Asian pear, nectarine, and vibrant key lime. These fruit driven notes are complemented by elegant accents of jasmine and a delicate hint of damp slate that speak to the region’s distinctive terroir. What elevates this Pinot Gris beyond the ordinary is its impeccable structural balance. Bright, energetic acidity cuts through the richness of the fruit, creating a wine that feels both generous and refreshing at once.

The mid palate gains momentum with impressive precision and tension, showcasing the finesse that cool climate viticulture can deliver when executed at the highest level. Each sip glides seamlessly toward a crisp, lingering finish that leaves behind echoes of citrus blossom, orchard fruit, and mineral freshness. It is a Pinot Gris that feels both vibrant and polished, offering immediate drinkability while maintaining the complexity that rewards careful attention.

The meticulous winemaking behind this wine further enhances its varietal character. Fermented entirely in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, the wine preserves every nuance of its aromatic profile. Four months of sur lie aging in stainless steel adds subtle texture and depth while maintaining the wine’s signature brightness and purity.

Equally compelling is the estate’s long standing commitment to sustainable farming, working with both estate vineyards and carefully selected partners who share the same philosophy of responsible stewardship. The result is a wine that not only reflects the natural beauty of the Willamette Valley but also the integrity of the vineyards from which it comes.

The 2023 King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris stands as a vibrant, polished example of Oregon’s most celebrated white wine style. Fresh, expressive, and impeccably balanced, it is a bottle that effortlessly captures the spirit of the region while reaffirming King Estate’s position as one of the true standard bearers of Willamette Valley Pinot Gris.

Alcohol: 13.5%

90 POINTS - "These lemon, mint, basil and iced tea aromas will have you daydreaming about languishing on a veranda somewhere warm and tropical. The wine’s lemon shortbread and grapefruit flavors will not dissuade you of that notion. This is lighter-bodied fare, with gentle acidity." - Wine Enthusiast

Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐

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