By King Estate
2016 Nicholas Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

Background and Terroir
Nicholas Vineyard has 33 acres planted near Newberg, Oregon, between 350 and 650 feet in elevation. Uncommon for the area, its soils are primarily Laurelwood, consisting of windblown loess over a well-drained, volcanic foundation. Praised for their reliable, high-quality fruit, Nicholas Vineyard consistently harmonizes fresh fruit flavors like ripened plum and dark cherry with a core of bright acidity and lush, lingering tannins.

Wine Details
AVA: Willamette Valley
Varietal: 100% Nicholas Vineyard Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.10%

Vintage Details
The 2016 Oregon vintage was another in a string of remarkable years that blessed the state with ideal growing conditions. The vintage started early in western Oregon, with average bud break occurring in mid to late March. Unusually warm temperatures in April and May accelerated an "early season effect," causing vineyards to go into bloom by the third week of June. The weather cooled substantially through August. The 2016 harvest began in early September and continued unabated until the end of the month, just in time to avoid the onset of rain in October.

Production
Cold-soaked for 48 hours with daily pump overs. Fermented in a stainless-steel open-top tank with twice daily punch downs. Aged 12 months in 33% new French oak.

Tasting Notes
This Pinot Noir first impresses in the glass with its dark, brick-red color. Baking spices are apparent on the nose, accompanied by deep aromatics of dark cherry, leather, cigar box, plum, caramel, and dry rose petal. Those flavors continue on the palate, with graham cracker, sweet oak, and even rhubarb. Very round and supple on the entrance, the wine finishes with acidity and tannins in a lingering, silky balance. Enjoy now through 2027.
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

Wine: King Estate 2016 Nicholas Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley)
Score/Rating: 91
Review Date: 12/01/2019
Reviewed By: Paul Gregutt
Tasting Notes: This wine offers black cherry fruit streaked with cola, root beer and mocha. It's medium bodied and flavorful. Enjoy over the near term.

Wine: King Estate 2016 Willamette Valley Nicholas Vineyard Pinot Noir
Score/Rating: 89
Review Date: 04/2020
Tasting Notes: This wine’s walnut-skin savor gives way to fresh black-cherry flavor. It’s dark and a bit sour, the sour-cherry finish a nice foil for duck.

Wine: King Estate Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Nicholas 2016
Score/Rating: 88
Review Date: 09/26/2019
Reviewed By: Tim Fish
Tasting Notes: Delicate and sleek, with easygoing cherry, orange peel and green tea flavors. [...].