2017 King Estate Elhanan Riesling, Willamette Valley
90 Points and Year’s Best US Rieslings, Wine & Spirits
Tasting Notes
Elhanan Vineyard is located near King Estate in the southern Willamette Valley. The fruit comes from seven acres planted on Jory and Willakenzie soils. The Willamette Valley’s cool maritime climate produces Riesling grapes with a striking balance of acidity and fresh fruit flavors, without being overripe. We craft this Riesling in a dry style that pairs beautifully with seafood, cheeses, and charcuterie.
The nose is redolent of wildflowers, peach, apple, nutmeg, tangerine and fresh clover. These flavors repeat on the palate along with accents of dry flowers and wet stone. After a soft, round entrance, a perfect balance of weight and acidity leads to a luscious finish that has some zip to it.
Winemaking Process
Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel. Aged sur lie seven months in stainless steel tanks.
Vintage Notes
2017 was a classic Willamette Valley vintage, with bud break in late March followed by bloom in mid-to-late June and véraison in early to mid-August, roughly two weeks later than 2016. The fruit set was heavy, requiring judicious crop thinning to promote grape quality. The later season combined with cool harvest weather, interrupted periodically by showers, slowed ripening and allowed for enhanced flavor development and acid retention while keeping potential alcohol levels in check.
Specs
Vineyards: 100% Elhanan Riesling
AVA: Willamette Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%/
What’s Included
6-bottles:
6x 2017 King Estate Elhanan Riesling, Willamette Valley Case:
12x 2017 King Estate Elhanan Riesling, Willamette Valley
We were pilgrims to Washington. Since our first Washington harvest in 2005, we have embraced the state. In turn, the state has embraced us as kindred spirits of the Pacific Northwest.
We make wine for wine lovers, simple as that. These are artisan-crafted wines, affordable enough to enjoy every day. My family has always called this our business plan: Integrity. It works for us, and we will always work to bring you the very best.
We treat our wines with dignity and respect. We employ winemaking techniques usually reserved only for the smallest boutique wineries. We respect our vineyard partners and let the quality of the grapes speak for themselves as we craft North by Northwest.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
That W&S review noted above:
90 points. Lean and floral, with scents of white flowers and lemon rind, this has a zingy acidity accelerating through green melon flavors, leaving an impression of dewy freshness. For pasta with green garlic. (203 cases) —P.J.C 6/20
Enthusiast had a sip as well and had this to say:
88 points. As the winery continues to expand and elaborate upon its white wine portfolio, this dry and fruity Riesling fits the house style nicely. A tangy core of green apple and green berry fruit is the most defining feature. Neither sour nor too tart, it’s a forward, refreshing style, though lacking the floral highlights of many other Oregon Rieslings. — Paul Gregutt 10/1/19
fwiw
A quick note on the vineyard:
In 1984 Bob and Betty McKinney cleared the property that is now known as Elhanan Vineyard, planting some of the original Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vines in the South Willamette Valley. Over the next ten years they planted a total of 20,000 vines on a 35-acre plot. The vineyard is rooted in Jory and Willakenzie soils, and sits on a southeast facing slope with a peak elevation of 700 feet. The vineyard consists of the following varietals: 7 acres - White Riesling, 13 acres - Pinot Gris, 12 acres - Pinot Noir, 2 acres - Early Muscat, and 1 acre - Gewurztraminer.
Lab rat here. Sorry for the delay. Tasting the 2017 King Estate Elhanan Riesling, Willamette Valley. On pnp out of the fridge the color is quiet pale, hardly any legs. On the nose honeysuckle. First taste: tart, stone fruit. I would call this an off dry riesling. It is a bit tangy, not unpleasant. Not my style of wine, but I would (did) enjoy a glass with dinner. Paired with food it was less “punchy” the tartness a bit subdued. It held up to the sausage and riccotta pizza w/ hot honey we had planned. And the spice of sausage opened up the wine a bit.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2017 King Estate Elhanan Riesling - $30 = 23.07%
Hi all! Perfect timing on this, since we’ve got a lovely snowstorm going on here in Philly. So thanks Alice and @WineDavid49 for sending this ahead of the weather! Especially as King’s Estate is one of my favorite wineries I’ve discovered from here. (I wish the North by Northwest rose would come back here for this summer!)
Popped it in the wine fridge while we got dinner pulled together- a goat rogan josh pulled from the crockpot, and some toasty naan. This definitely has the sharpness to hold up to something that rich! It was almost too bright for the meal, for my tastes.
A quick sniff warned me of sharpness, and a couple sips revealed this is drier than the Sahara. Very mineral forward, lemony tart, and not a whiff of sweetness to be found.
Chase, my roommate, who normally loves wines that are too sharp for my palate wasn’t a fan either. It doesn’t taste like it got too hot or anything like that, the mineral note is just very dominant in this.
Just goes to show how different varieties and lines even from the same winery can be.
@sandbarhappy described as a fermented dry Riesling. I would trust the second rat, it’s basically impossible to serve a dry Riesling and not have someone describe it as sweet because of how fruity it is
I’ve liked the other King Estate wines I’ve bought, and I like a good riesling, so I’d go in for some of this. Is anyone in the Kansas City area interested in a split on this?
I am a Riesling snob. Generally only ones from the Rhinegau region. I dislike most US Rieslings which have those turpentine notes. I really like dry or mostly dry Rieslings. And … I am particularly sensitive to overly tart wines - many white wines end up creating sensitivity in my teeth. So … seems like a no based on the tartness, but potentially a yes otherwise …
I realize now that OK changed their licensing fee to $300 that it’s hard for a small winery to justify buying a license. But I’ve been waiting for casemates to put up a riesling. Maybe next time…
2017 King Estate Elhanan Riesling, Willamette Valley
90 Points and Year’s Best US Rieslings, Wine & Spirits
Tasting Notes
Winemaking Process
Vintage Notes
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$348.00/Case for 12x 2017 King Estate Elhanan Riesling, Willamette Valley at King Estate Winery
About The Wineries
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Feb 12 - Wednesday, Feb 14
2017 King Estate Elhanan Riesling
6 bottles for $64.99 $10.83/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $99.99 $8.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Hi, message to the vintner. How much life does this 2017 have left and would you say it is at its peak or falling off? Thank you
@Leatherchair anything claiming to be a good or great Riesling should age at least a decade.
Happy chilly (or is it chili?) Saturday…
That W&S review noted above:
90 points. Lean and floral, with scents of white flowers and lemon rind, this has a zingy acidity accelerating through green melon flavors, leaving an impression of dewy freshness. For pasta with green garlic. (203 cases) —P.J.C 6/20
Enthusiast had a sip as well and had this to say:
88 points. As the winery continues to expand and elaborate upon its white wine portfolio, this dry and fruity Riesling fits the house style nicely. A tangy core of green apple and green berry fruit is the most defining feature. Neither sour nor too tart, it’s a forward, refreshing style, though lacking the floral highlights of many other Oregon Rieslings. — Paul Gregutt 10/1/19
fwiw
A quick note on the vineyard:
In 1984 Bob and Betty McKinney cleared the property that is now known as Elhanan Vineyard, planting some of the original Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vines in the South Willamette Valley. Over the next ten years they planted a total of 20,000 vines on a 35-acre plot. The vineyard is rooted in Jory and Willakenzie soils, and sits on a southeast facing slope with a peak elevation of 700 feet. The vineyard consists of the following varietals: 7 acres - White Riesling, 13 acres - Pinot Gris, 12 acres - Pinot Noir, 2 acres - Early Muscat, and 1 acre - Gewurztraminer.
Lab rat here. Sorry for the delay. Tasting the 2017 King Estate Elhanan Riesling, Willamette Valley. On pnp out of the fridge the color is quiet pale, hardly any legs. On the nose honeysuckle. First taste: tart, stone fruit. I would call this an off dry riesling. It is a bit tangy, not unpleasant. Not my style of wine, but I would (did) enjoy a glass with dinner. Paired with food it was less “punchy” the tartness a bit subdued. It held up to the sausage and riccotta pizza w/ hot honey we had planned. And the spice of sausage opened up the wine a bit.
Thanks for the opportunity!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2017 King Estate Elhanan Riesling - $30 = 23.07%
Hi all! Perfect timing on this, since we’ve got a lovely snowstorm going on here in Philly. So thanks Alice and @WineDavid49 for sending this ahead of the weather! Especially as King’s Estate is one of my favorite wineries I’ve discovered from here. (I wish the North by Northwest rose would come back here for this summer!)
Popped it in the wine fridge while we got dinner pulled together- a goat rogan josh pulled from the crockpot, and some toasty naan. This definitely has the sharpness to hold up to something that rich! It was almost too bright for the meal, for my tastes.
A quick sniff warned me of sharpness, and a couple sips revealed this is drier than the Sahara. Very mineral forward, lemony tart, and not a whiff of sweetness to be found.
Chase, my roommate, who normally loves wines that are too sharp for my palate wasn’t a fan either. It doesn’t taste like it got too hot or anything like that, the mineral note is just very dominant in this.
Just goes to show how different varieties and lines even from the same winery can be.
Okay, we have one lab rat report of off dry, and one bone dry. With ETOH of 13.5, it could be either.
What is the RS???
@sandbarhappy described as a fermented dry Riesling. I would trust the second rat, it’s basically impossible to serve a dry Riesling and not have someone describe it as sweet because of how fruity it is
Ordered a case, really enjoy King Estate since we visited nearly 15 years ago. I too, am ready for the N X NW rose, love it.
in for a case to my girlfriend and half a case to myself!
we love Riesling so hoping the purchase before the rats pays off.
I’ve liked the other King Estate wines I’ve bought, and I like a good riesling, so I’d go in for some of this. Is anyone in the Kansas City area interested in a split on this?
King Estate is killing me with no Ohio.
Offers are always such amazing Qpr. Fantastic wines and I aeft in the wind
@smoothie72 just saw this
Where a bouts are you located?
I’m in Ohio every now and then for wine swapping
I am a Riesling snob. Generally only ones from the Rhinegau region. I dislike most US Rieslings which have those turpentine notes. I really like dry or mostly dry Rieslings. And … I am particularly sensitive to overly tart wines - many white wines end up creating sensitivity in my teeth. So … seems like a no based on the tartness, but potentially a yes otherwise …
@woopdedoo Well, I went in for 6. Either it will be 5 too many or 6 too few.
I realize now that OK changed their licensing fee to $300 that it’s hard for a small winery to justify buying a license. But I’ve been waiting for casemates to put up a riesling. Maybe next time…
@winecaseaholic
King Estate is not a small winery. At least not compared to most of the wineries featured here.
/giphy nauseating-arbitrary-chili
