King Estate, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2017

 Taut and fresh but very focused and built to improve, this is a terrific performance from King Estate.  The adjective “Burgundian” gets tossed around far too loosely in tasting rooms and promotional materials, but here it is apt, as the wine shows excellent acidity and abundant savory notes just beneath a delicious layer of dark cherry fruit with restrained ripeness.  To be sure, this is already terrific, but it will reward five years of cellaring very handsomely.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2021 Critics Challenge International Wine and Spirits Competition.