The 2009 Pinot Noir Acrobat of which there are 5000 cases. Aromas of brown sugar, cherry cola, clove, and assorted red fruits inform the nose of an easy-going, tasty, forward wine meant for drinking over the next 5-6 years. It is a very good value. King Estate is a 200,000 case winery located outside of the generic Willamette Valley AVA not far from Eugene. It is a tourist destination with beautiful grounds and an attractive restaurant. The winery also makes solid wine, much of it from their estate fruit which is organically certified. Their major focus appears to be on Pinot Gris which is produced at a range of price points and includes several site specific cuvees, all at very fair prices. The Pinot Noirs, the focus of this report, can be quite good as well as solid values.Tel. (541) 942-9874; www.kingestate.com

This is dusty, and scented with earth and pine needles. Quite young, it tastes very tart, almost like cranberry juice. With significant breathing time it begins to broaden out and hint at a dusty, chocolate undertone. Good grip and medium body. ——P.G.(12/15/2010)—— 87