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Domaine Serene & King Estate - Store Tasting
Roseville, MN
Tasted May 2, 2013 by GoBlue2002 with 373 views
Introduction
Tasting at The Cellars Wines and Spirits, with host Rikki Iglesias. Small pours of ~1/2oz each, although I went back for my favorites...
Wines tasted in the order presented.
Flight 1 (8 notes)
White
2011 King Estate Pinot Gris Signature Collection
89 points
Impressively good for an American pinot gris, a varietal I admittedly don't have much experience with - much drier than I expected. Sweet nose of melon without much complexity, but more balanced in taste, and enough acid for balance. Good QPR.
White
2010 Domaine Serene Chardonnay Evenstad Reserve
92 points
Burgundian in style, with minimal malolactic, yet with loads of oak, which become overly apparent as the wine warms to RT (keep this one chilled!). Subtle nose of mineral, apple, and pear. Crisp, with plenty of acid for balance. Long finish. Impressive Oregon chardonnay.
Red
2011 King Estate Pinot Noir Signature Collection
87 points
Very light in color and flavor. Aromas of strawberry and raspberry. Bright, but nothing memorable, especially for the price.
Red
2009 King Estate Pinot Noir Domaine
91 points
Intoxicating & complex nose, with a very long finish. The flavor trails behind and lacks much complexity at this point. This is far too young to drink now - give it 3-5 yrs.
Red
2009 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Yamhill Cuvée
90 points
Light in color, with raspberry and baked spice aromas. The flavor is pure cherry, with minimal complexity. Pleasant, but nothing too memorable when compared with the Evenstad Reserve.
Red
2008 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Evenstad Reserve
92 points
Far superior to the Yamhill Cuvee. Much stronger & complex aromas with lovely baking spice leave a sparkle on the tongue. This is very well balanced and good now, but I expect it to improve significantly with ageing.
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Comment
Red
N.V. Domaine Serene Syrah Rockblock "SoNo"
88 points
Interesting syrah. Very smooth and easy drinking, but sacrifices structure and body to get there. This is not a wine built for ageing, unlike most of Domaine Serene's wines. Somewhat of an odd fit to their portfolio. Still, smooth with some delicate spice. Drink up!
White - Sweet/Dessert
2010 King Estate Riesling Vin Glacé
92 points
Very cool stuff & amazing QPR. Aromas and flavors of fig and granny smith apple. Refreshing, balanced sweetness with balanced acidity and nice complexity on the finish. This has more body than I would expect for a Riesling-based sweet wine. Very nicely balanced indeed!
Closing
Overall a good lineup, with Domaine Serene outperforming King Estate, although the King Estate Vin Glace was a pleasant surprise.