INSIDER'S PICK: 2018 KING ESTATE DOMAINE PINOT GRIS WILLAMETTE VALLEY $29.99

Even though we will not be doing the public tasting portion of the Insider's Pick until further notice, we will still be offering the wine for purchase with the usual 10% discount. The wines will still be ones we highly recommend, and the tasting notes will still be our own. We are also doing both a white and a red option each week, with the white wine available for the discount on Thursday and Friday, while the red wine available on Friday and Saturday. We hope you are able to come by and get some wines to enjoy.

Most people will recognize the King Estate name as one of the more prevalent producers of Pinot Gris out of Oregon. Over the last 30 years they have been a major factor in bringing the grape variety more attention in America, helping it to become a signature grape of the region. While their regular bottling is fairly prevalent, their Domaine bottling is their flagship for the variety, made from their oldest vines off the original estate which has been certified organic since 2002 and is the largest Demeter certified Biodynamic property in the country. Do not confuse the two; this is built for serious business, even worthy of cellaring like the better Pinot Gris from Alsace. Fresh pear and white fruits mix on the nose with underlying zest and mineral tones, floral and pretty but also very vibrant. The palate is unctuous and rich but not cloying thanks to all the acidity and natural texture from the skins, just filling every corner of your palate with flavor. Folks that want a rounder texture in their white wine but don't want the buttery aspects so often found in Chardonnay should be all over this, serving it with crab cakes and rich creamy poultry or pork dishes. While it's likely that everyone's Thanksgiving plans will be looking very different this year, it isn't too early to start thinking about the wines you may serve then as well. This will really compliment the diversity of a holiday table as well.

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