2015 King Estate Gewürztraminer, Willamette Valley
I got a bottle yesterday to lab rat. Chilled and opened tonight. Nice golden color, not too pale. Nose- some heat initially, acidity, citrus. First sip. Nice balance, dry, good minerality, no burn going down. It seems very citrus forward on the nose, but it isn’t really there so much on the palate. Palate is more stone fruit, with a softer mouth feel than you’d expect with the acidity on the nose. Nice finish with the minerality lingering. It’s very pleasant, not flabby, it just doesn’t taste like it smells. Will try some tomorrow and see if the nose has mellowed some and matches up better with the taste. This is a great QPR at the case price.
First a quick note on how this tasting almost didn’t happen, but was then saved by small town networks and connections!
I received the email that I had been selected to be a LabRat on Wednesday evening (Hooray!) But then when I checked the tracking on Thursday afternoon I notice that there was a problem with the address and that the bottle had been sent to my previous place of employment about 35 miles away. I got in touch with Alice at WCC and she basically says it is too late to reroute and there isn’t much we could do about it (but she did promise to send another offering to LabRat, so you will hear again from me soon!). Just a few minutes after that I got a call from my former colleague Sue. With no one working at the office these days, the UPS driver had texted Sue asking her what to do with the bottle. After talking with me, she got back in touch with the driver and to make a long story short, the bottle showed up at my house on Friday afternoon!
I popped the bottle into the fridge for a couple of hours and set up a 5:15 PM rendezvous on our deck with my wife and I and our next door neighbor (and occasional casemate!).
It was getting a little dark outside, but we all checked out the color and agreed that it was very pale, very clear, though slightly amberish.
There was nothing intense on the nose, but definite pear, melon (I think Honeydew) and something that opened up the nostrils and said more good stuff to come!
First tastes revealed a very pleasant citrus, maybe lemon or lime, and a minerality and acidity that lingered long in the mouth in a very flavorful and refreshing way. The citrusy element gave a quick pop to the taste buds that helped contributed greatly to lingering flavors and minerality. It was clear to all that we were tasting a Sauvignon Blanc, but there really was none of the harshness that often accompanies less complex SBs.
Continued to taste with some crackers, extra sharp cheddar and dry salami. The salami didn’t do much one way or the other, but the extra sharp cheddar reinforced and highlighted all of the crisp, refreshing flavors we had noticed from the beginning. As the wine warmed some of the more familiar tastes associated with Sauvignon Blanc stood out a bit more, but only in a pleasant way.
Bottom line – this wine is a winner and it will make a wonderful Thanksgiving accompaniment for any and all who enjoy white wine and SB in particular.
2012 King Estate North by Northwest Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills
Lab Rat here. I received the 2012 King Estate North by Northwest Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills. This was on the dry side of Rieslings, not sweet as I initially thought it might be, was very reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. It was a pale yellow, hints of fruit and citrus, not acidic with a pleasant finish. I was eating pizza as I was sampling this wine and the two went together well. I was surprised to see that the offering was for 3 different wines, all of which I would try at this price point since the Riesling already won me over.
My wife and I tasted the 2015 King Estate Gewürztraminer and we have compiled our notes below. Overall, we both liked the wine but I’m not sure we would pay $20+ a bottle for it given that there are better Alsatian options on the market for the price point.
My notes:
I smelled white peaches and tropical fruits
I tasted peaches and apricots. I thought it was fairly dry as well for a Gewürztraminer.
My wife’s notes:
I smell peaches and passion fruit
I also taste apricots and passion fruit
It started crisp, but after 15 seconds it started punching me in the face with its surprising dryness. It probably isn’t a dry wine, but the dry finishing took me by surprise.
actually $7.50 per bottle if you go with the case option.
And under $11 for the six-pak.
Not sure either, where that $20 came from. Don’t even see Gewürztraminer, any vintage, on the King website.
Perhaps it was the $65 and the three bottles that were so confusing to assume $20, rather than reading the $65 offer is for six bottles…
@chipgreen@dioniseuss@losthighwayz
And only if you assume all bottles are equally priced.
CT pricing suggests the Riesling is about half the cost of the others.
Good catch on the price point! I meant the market price of $20ish (based on this section “Typically $24 - $31/bottle from King Estate” on the listing page). For $7-8 a bottle this isn’t a bad deal.
Thanksgiving Whites from King Estate
6 bottles for $64.99 $10.83/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $89.99 $7.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Thanksgiving Whites from King Estate - $40 = 30.76%
@amehzinggrace I most definitely did that already, and so should others looking for a go to white at the price. Thanks for the notes as well as @mtb002@cdgrimm
I’ve known the Crofts since pre-vineyard days. I helped with the harvest at Croft Vineyard a few years ago. Impeccable farming and care. In for a case.
Hah, I guess I’m late to the game this weekend, but I looked back over some old wine notes, and it turns out I bought this Riesling back in 2014. I’ve never been much for good notes, but at the time I apparently thought it “needs to open up. Has a subdued sour note. Flavor improves as it opens, with a little crispness I think from the acidity.”
2015 King Estate Gewürztraminer, Willamette Valley
Tasting Notes
Gewürztraminer is an aromatic grape varietal that thrives in cool climate conditions. These conditions are perfectly suited for the small parcels of Gewürztraminer found on Block 19 of our own King Estate Vineyard, one of the coolest and highest elevation sites in the Willamette Valley.
This fine expression of Gewürztraminer features aromatics of lychee, white peach, citrus, mango and perfumed spice on the nose. The entrance has good volume with refreshing acidity. On the palate discover flavors of rose petals, passion fruit, lychee, cherry blossom and jasmine. Notes of wet stone linger on the finish.
Winemaking & Vintage Notes
The fruit had 24 hours of skin contact in the press to give the wine added varietal character. Fermentation was in 100% stainless steel tanks, then aged sur lie for six months, also in stainless steel.
2015 was the earliest harvest in King Estate history. A dry, mild winter led to early bud break in mid- to late March, about two weeks ahead of normal. With minimal frost damage to worry about during winter, there was an abundance of fruit set by early June. Warm temperatures throughout spring and summer kept the vines ahead of their seasonal average maturation. A slight reprieve from the heat arrived around harvest and helped to preserve acidity and allowed for optimal flavor development. The fruit benefited from extended hang time and came in perfectly ripe.
Specs
Vintage: 2015
Varietal: 100% King Estate Vineyard Gewürztraminer
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%
2015 King Estate Croft Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley
Tasting Notes
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Croft Vineyard is one of the most distinguished sites for Sauvignon Blanc in Oregon. Located near Monmouth, Oregon, Croft Vineyard was planted in 1985 and has been organically farmed by three generations of the Croft family for 30 years. Today Croft is one of Oregon’s most innovative growers of high quality wine grapes.
Tropical and citrus fruit notes greet the nose and continue on the palate. Aromatics of passionfruit, lemon, grapefruit, lychee and butterscotch on the nose give way to an inviting entrance layered with ripe fruit flavors such as lime, tangerine, pineapple, pear and tart gooseberry with a touch of toast. The barrel ferment and lees-stirring bring depth and breadth to the mid-palate while a refreshing acidity gives the wine structure. The finish is lingering and generous.
Winemaking & Vineyard Notes
The fruit was fermented 75% in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and 25% in French oak barrels. It is then aged sur lie 75% in stainless and 25% in French oak for five months.
2015 was one of the earliest harvests on record. A dry, mild winter led to early bud break in mid- to late March, about two weeks ahead of normal. With minimal frost damage to worry about during winter, there was an abundance of fruit set by early June. Warm temperatures throughout spring and summer kept the vines ahead of their seasonal average maturation. A slight reprieve from the heat arrived around harvest and helped to preserve acidity and allowed for optimal flavor development. The fruit benefited from extended hang time and came in perfectly ripe.
Specs
Vintage: 2015
Varietal: 100% Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Alcohol: 13.5%
2012 King Estate North by Northwest Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills
Tasting Notes
North by Northwest was founded in 2005 by the King family with the vision to handcraft varietally pure wines from the finest vineyards in Walla Walla Valley and Columbia Valley AVAs, which straddle the border of Washington and Oregon. We partner with like-minded vineyard owners, with an eye on sustainable viticultural practices. Our guiding principle is simple: produce a quality wine, for wine lovers.
From the prestigious Horse Heaven Hills sub-AVA, this Riesling is crisp and dry. On the nose, candied peach, orange and strawberry give way to key lime and honeysuckle aromas with hints of minerality, jasmine and apricot. A crisp entry with lemon custard flavors is followed by orange spice and green tea on the mid-palate and finishes with a lingering citrus zest and verbena.
Winemaking Notes
The fruit was pressed, cold settled, racked, fermented, crossflowed and cold stabilized. Sur lie aged for four months. This wine is a prime example of how beautifully white wines can age and develop in complexity over time.
2012 brought a return to the classic eastern Washington vintage conditions and a departure from the previous two cooler years experienced in the area. Budbreak was slightly ahead of average and a cool start to the summer slightly delayed vine development. In late July, warm and dry conditions returned and lasted through mid-October, allowing the fruit to ripen in an ideal situation.
Specs
Vintage: 2012
Varietal: 100% The Benches Riesling
Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills
Soils: Ritzville loam and shano silt loam
Alcohol: 13.0%
RS: 0.7 g/100ml
TA: 0.8 g/100ml
pH: 3.28
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
2x 2015 King Estate Gewürztraminer, Willamette Valley
2x 2015 King Estate Croft Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley
2x 2012 King Estate North by Northwest Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills
Case:
4x 2015 King Estate Gewürztraminer, Willamette Valley
4x 2015 King Estate Croft Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley
4x 2012 King Estate North by Northwest Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills
Price Comparison
$324/case MSRP at King Estate for 4x 2015 King Estate Gewürztraminer, Willamette Valley, 4x 2015 King Estate Croft Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley, 2012 King Estate North by Northwest Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills
Situated at the tip of the Willamette Valley just southwest of Eugene, OR, our beautiful Estate is where our story begins. Our family-owned winery is dedicated to quality without compromise.
We responsibly produce world-class wines that are consistently excellent, consistently available and consistently reasonable in their price. That’s been our covenant to you, the people who support our winemaking.
This product will be delivered in time for Thanksgiving
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WI
Hoping for some dessert wines to pop up, but I couldn’t resist this offer. The last few King Estate bottles I picked up were solid, and my stash is getting low thanks to current events.
Casemates, you’re killing me (softly!) Between the Burgundy, Ann Amie, and the incredible offerings over the past few months, (and WIWBM!) I sadly have to pass.
To the community, don’t let this one slip by!
My case was scheduled to deliver on 11-13. Then tracking gave me this “A late UPS trailer arrival has delayed delivery. We’re adjusting plans to deliver your package as quickly as possible.” No new date posted yet. That’s never happened before, even with wildfires and storms between me and wine country, pretty much a straight shot up I-5.
2015 King Estate Gewürztraminer, Willamette Valley
I got a bottle yesterday to lab rat. Chilled and opened tonight. Nice golden color, not too pale. Nose- some heat initially, acidity, citrus. First sip. Nice balance, dry, good minerality, no burn going down. It seems very citrus forward on the nose, but it isn’t really there so much on the palate. Palate is more stone fruit, with a softer mouth feel than you’d expect with the acidity on the nose. Nice finish with the minerality lingering. It’s very pleasant, not flabby, it just doesn’t taste like it smells. Will try some tomorrow and see if the nose has mellowed some and matches up better with the taste. This is a great QPR at the case price.
King Estate 2015 Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
First a quick note on how this tasting almost didn’t happen, but was then saved by small town networks and connections!
I received the email that I had been selected to be a LabRat on Wednesday evening (Hooray!) But then when I checked the tracking on Thursday afternoon I notice that there was a problem with the address and that the bottle had been sent to my previous place of employment about 35 miles away. I got in touch with Alice at WCC and she basically says it is too late to reroute and there isn’t much we could do about it (but she did promise to send another offering to LabRat, so you will hear again from me soon!). Just a few minutes after that I got a call from my former colleague Sue. With no one working at the office these days, the UPS driver had texted Sue asking her what to do with the bottle. After talking with me, she got back in touch with the driver and to make a long story short, the bottle showed up at my house on Friday afternoon!
I popped the bottle into the fridge for a couple of hours and set up a 5:15 PM rendezvous on our deck with my wife and I and our next door neighbor (and occasional casemate!).
It was getting a little dark outside, but we all checked out the color and agreed that it was very pale, very clear, though slightly amberish.
There was nothing intense on the nose, but definite pear, melon (I think Honeydew) and something that opened up the nostrils and said more good stuff to come!
First tastes revealed a very pleasant citrus, maybe lemon or lime, and a minerality and acidity that lingered long in the mouth in a very flavorful and refreshing way. The citrusy element gave a quick pop to the taste buds that helped contributed greatly to lingering flavors and minerality. It was clear to all that we were tasting a Sauvignon Blanc, but there really was none of the harshness that often accompanies less complex SBs.
Continued to taste with some crackers, extra sharp cheddar and dry salami. The salami didn’t do much one way or the other, but the extra sharp cheddar reinforced and highlighted all of the crisp, refreshing flavors we had noticed from the beginning. As the wine warmed some of the more familiar tastes associated with Sauvignon Blanc stood out a bit more, but only in a pleasant way.
Bottom line – this wine is a winner and it will make a wonderful Thanksgiving accompaniment for any and all who enjoy white wine and SB in particular.
Can’t seem to get a picture in here
2012 King Estate North by Northwest Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills
Lab Rat here. I received the 2012 King Estate North by Northwest Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills. This was on the dry side of Rieslings, not sweet as I initially thought it might be, was very reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. It was a pale yellow, hints of fruit and citrus, not acidic with a pleasant finish. I was eating pizza as I was sampling this wine and the two went together well. I was surprised to see that the offering was for 3 different wines, all of which I would try at this price point since the Riesling already won me over.
@amehzinggrace think this wine will make it through next summer? (Winery says best to drink through 2015)
@irenegade i gotta be honest…it wouldn’t last thru 2020 at my house…
@amehzinggrace LOL! I guess me to. Nothing to worry about! I’m in for a case!
I’ve never gotten a bad wine from King Estate. Easy decision at this price:
/giphy infamous-minute-mailbox
Any rats care to comment on fruit presence and freshness due to the age on these?
@losthighwayz
Mine didn’t taste like it was on it’s last leg or anything.
@losthighwayz The Sauvignon Blanc was very fresh. Crisp and flavorful. Seems like there’s more time left.
I’m way overstocked on reds, and some of the recent ones have been a bit above my comfort level. Couldn’t pass this one up.
I was a little worried seeing these are from 2015 and 2012. Lab Rats – they don’t seem over the hill to you?
@theglassrat This was my concern as well and the tasting notes for the riesling on the winery website even say “Drink now through 2015.”
Hi All,
My wife and I tasted the 2015 King Estate Gewürztraminer and we have compiled our notes below. Overall, we both liked the wine but I’m not sure we would pay $20+ a bottle for it given that there are better Alsatian options on the market for the price point.
My notes:
I smelled white peaches and tropical fruits
I tasted peaches and apricots. I thought it was fairly dry as well for a Gewürztraminer.
My wife’s notes:
I smell peaches and passion fruit
I also taste apricots and passion fruit
It started crisp, but after 15 seconds it started punching me in the face with its surprising dryness. It probably isn’t a dry wine, but the dry finishing took me by surprise.
@dioniseuss actually $7.50 per bottle if you go with the case option.
@dioniseuss @losthighwayz
And under $11 for the six-pak.
Not sure either, where that $20 came from. Don’t even see Gewürztraminer, any vintage, on the King website.
Perhaps it was the $65 and the three bottles that were so confusing to assume $20, rather than reading the $65 offer is for six bottles…
@dioniseuss @losthighwayz @rjquillin
$27/bottle MSRP if you believe the “Price Comparison”.
@chipgreen @dioniseuss @losthighwayz
And only if you assume all bottles are equally priced.
CT pricing suggests the Riesling is about half the cost of the others.
@losthighwayz @rjquillin
Good catch on the price point! I meant the market price of $20ish (based on this section “Typically $24 - $31/bottle from King Estate” on the listing page). For $7-8 a bottle this isn’t a bad deal.
Thanksgiving Whites from King Estate
6 bottles for $64.99 $10.83/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $89.99 $7.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2015 King Estate Gewürztraminer
2015 King Estate Croft Sauvignon Blanc
2012 King Estate North by Northwest Riesling
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Thanksgiving Whites from King Estate - $40 = 30.76%
Now where’s that Riesling Rat? I got the case because it will feed the herds coming. I also have room and could use some whites.
@TechnoViking sorry I’m late…I think you should pull the trigger on this deal
@amehzinggrace I most definitely did that already, and so should others looking for a go to white at the price. Thanks for the notes as well as @mtb002 @cdgrimm
/giphy deeply-overrated-sofa
/giphy ferocious-kind-zoo
In for one - split with @wnance
/giphy brave-mirrored-oyster
@ejrunion I feex, I feex, ok?
I’ve known the Crofts since pre-vineyard days. I helped with the harvest at Croft Vineyard a few years ago. Impeccable farming and care. In for a case.
Never done this before… in for 24.
Price and past experience and Oregonniness makes it.
/giphy hesitant-negligible-barley
@pmarin EDIT sorry Horse Heaven Hills Riesling would be Washingtonniness.
Hah, I guess I’m late to the game this weekend, but I looked back over some old wine notes, and it turns out I bought this Riesling back in 2014. I’ve never been much for good notes, but at the time I apparently thought it “needs to open up. Has a subdued sour note. Flavor improves as it opens, with a little crispness I think from the acidity.”
2015 King Estate Gewürztraminer, Willamette Valley
Tasting Notes
Winemaking & Vintage Notes
Specs
2015 King Estate Croft Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley
Tasting Notes
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Winemaking & Vineyard Notes
Specs
2012 King Estate North by Northwest Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills
Tasting Notes
Winemaking Notes
Specs
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$324/case MSRP at King Estate for 4x 2015 King Estate Gewürztraminer, Willamette Valley, 4x 2015 King Estate Croft Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley, 2012 King Estate North by Northwest Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills
About The Winery
This product will be delivered in time for Thanksgiving
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WI
Estimated Delivery
Wednesday, Nov 18 - Monday, Nov 23
Will absolutely split a case with a San Diego local.
Couldn’t resist at the case price. Have always enjoyed my KE / NxNW purchases in the past.
/giphy bizarre-smelly-daisy
Looks good. Just gonna try six, though the case savings was hard to pass up.
/image square-dorky-rooster
/giphy shivering-brief-lettuce
/gify deeply-overrated-sofa
/giphy hanging-gracious-bamboo
/giphy thick-reflective-cilantro
@lagloriafan Mirrors not part of dog brain evolution.
Hoping for some dessert wines to pop up, but I couldn’t resist this offer. The last few King Estate bottles I picked up were solid, and my stash is getting low thanks to current events.
/giphy burly-remarkable-scallop
/giphy buttery-bewildered-offer
/giphy musty-lowdown-mummy
@losthighwayz Did you get the case? If so, are you willing to part with some?
@davirom yes and yes. Let me know
@losthighwayz I would prefer half. . .
Anyone in SF or greater Bay Area interested in a split? Could go for six but really don’t have room or need for a full case.
@davidj94112 Sure, I’ll split a case
Do you want to order or should I?
@michaepf If you want to order, I can come pick them up when you receive them.
@davidj94112 Ordered! If anyone else from SF wants a few bottles, let me know.
/giphy tampered-deprived-mushroom
Heck with it, in for two.
/giphy wealthy-unreal-angle
I’m in too. Haven’t had Gewürztraminer in years
/giphy rhetorical-harsh-fish
Casemates, you’re killing me (softly!) Between the Burgundy, Ann Amie, and the incredible offerings over the past few months, (and WIWBM!) I sadly have to pass.
To the community, don’t let this one slip by!
In for a case!
/giphy numberless-malicious-flamingo
/giphy impossible-repulsive-rye
My case was scheduled to deliver on 11-13. Then tracking gave me this “A late UPS trailer arrival has delayed delivery. We’re adjusting plans to deliver your package as quickly as possible.” No new date posted yet. That’s never happened before, even with wildfires and storms between me and wine country, pretty much a straight shot up I-5.
Mine was out for delivery, but then magically disappeared…so sad
My bank account was charged twice.
@losthighwayz
Yeah…looks like I was double charged for the recent WineSmith offer.
@karenhynes @losthighwayz @winedavid @wccwinegirl