SOLD OUT! The 2015 Kings Ridge Pinot Noir is that rare under -$20 Oregon Pinot Noir that truly delivers the goods! I’m talking about classic Oregon Pinot character — spice and earth infused red fruit on the nose, medium bodied and silky on the palate, and a long and fulfilling finish.
So many of the wines I taste in this price range are pleasant, but they lack depth and nuance. Not this one! Ryan Harms and his team at Union Wine Company struck gold with their 2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, and this one must be tasted to be believed.
2015 Kings Ridge Pinot Noir
Wonderful Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Bargain
SOLD OUT
In case you haven’t heard, Vintage 2015 is being called another stellar vintage for Oregon Pinot Noir. On the heels of the wonderful 2014 vintage, which I didn’t think could be topped, 2015 was another dry and hot one in Oregon.
It was also one that yielded a bountiful crop of very high quality grapes. Healthy, perfectly ripened grapes and lots of them — it’s vintages like these where Union Wine Company thrives.
Founded in 2005, this negociant operation doesn’t own any vineyards. They buy all of their fruit, and Ryan Harms is a very well connected guy. He cut his teeth as assistant winemaker at Bergstrom, then as head winemaker at Torri Mor and Rex Hill prior to starting his own operation.
Ryan won’t tell me who or exactly where he sourced his grapes, but he did reveal that 100% of the fruit came from the Willamette Valley. His ability to blend little bits and pieces together into a harmonious and delicious wine is truly admirable.
In 2015, he had abundant fruit sources to pick from, and he knocked it outta’ the park! 100% Pinot Noir, this one is fermented in stainless steel and is then aged in French oak (25% new) for 8 months. The resulting wine literally boggled my mind when I tasted it a couple of weeks back.
Typically, under-$20 Oregon Pinot Noir is simple and fruit forward, but this one really packs a punch. Lovely aromas and flavors of ripe cherry, strawberry, cinnamon and nutmeg are abundant in this medium bodied red wine. Smooth and silky on the palate, it is generously fruited and concentrated with great acidity providing energy and lift to the wine.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville