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by Fred McMillin
for January 26, 1999
Zinfandel in Oregon??
Prologue
| Acres of Zinfandel Vines | - | California | Oregon |
| 1980 | - | 27,600 | 0 |
| 1990 | - | 27,900 | 15 |
"Zinfandel has just a toehold in Oregon."
...Bob Thompson's Wine Atlas
The Rest of the Story
The King Estate of Oregon (pictured) is expanding that toehold. Ed King puts it modestly, saying we've produced a wine "not commonly associated with Oregon." That's for sure.
Yet, he's very pleased with
his first Zinfandel, since it "shows excellent
varietal character and considerable charm."
My panel agreed, giving it a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
rating.
The King Zin
1994 Oregon Zinfandel
King Estate, Eugene, Oregon
Alcohol—14.6%
Aging—13 months in French oak
1994 Oregon Growing Season—Vineyard ace Brad
Biehl says the season started poorly. Not
suprising for Oregon, the spring was cool and wet.
Hence, there were not many clusters per vine and
"yields were very low at harvest. However,
what Zinfandel grapes we had were of superb
quality."
Flavors—Blackberry, black pepper, cloves
Contact—Office of Lauren Trent, Director of
Marketing, (800) 884-4441, (541) 942-9874
Price—$20 range
Postscript
Ed King's holiday greeting began, "A new vintage rests in our cellar while the promise of another sleeps in our vineyard." My panel hopes it includes more Zinfandel!
Note: For more, see WineDay's May 30, 1997 Winery of the Week article titled, "King of Oregon."
 |
About the Writer
Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers. |
WineDay Annex
More articles by
Fred McMillin
Welcome to WineDay, the electronic Gourmet Guide's daily update. Monday through Thursday, WineDay presents a wine profile. Then on Fridays we present the Winery of the Week to take you through the weekend.
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Copyright © 1999—the electronic Gourmet Guide, Inc. All rights reserved.