In The Glass: King Estate Blackjack Block Pinot Noir 2009

I could write endlessly about Oregon Pinot Noir and never tire from it – life is good in the Willamette Valley, especially when I come across Pinots that are as good as this one.  With fruit sourced from their organic estate vineyard; specifically, from a block that has developed special characteristics over time, the winemaker at King Estate designates the Blackjack Block for special bottlings under the King Estate Domaine label.  To qualify for production using the Domaine brand, the grapes are only sourced from King Estate’s 100% organically grown estate vineyard.

The fruit for the 2009 Blackjack Block Pinot Noir comes from a block of vines that is situated in the very southeast corner of the vineyards at King Estate: Block 4D.  This particular block is situated on a northeast facing slope between 800 and 900 feet of elevation.  Because of the unique “Droop” trellis system used in this block, the grapes receive more exposure to the sun during the growing season, which aids in ripening the grapes.

King Estate 2009 Blackjack Block Pinot Noir has aromas of baked cherry pie, rose petals and earth.  On the palate, concentrated berry flavors are rich and round, yet don’t overpower the elegant mouthfeel and texture.  Soft acidity and fine grained tannins round out the fruit resulting in a balanced beauty with a lovely, lingering finish.  Perfect on a sunny, breezy spring afternoon on the patio.

May is Oregon Wine Month, what’s in your glass?