2018 King Estate Roussanne-Marsanne, Quail Run Vineyards, Rogue Valley
Tasting Notes
The history of this classic blend of Roussanne and Marsanne is rooted in France’s Rhône Valley. Our blend comes from the warm climate of Oregon’s Rogue Valley. This rich and succulent wine is unique in its ability to showcase delicate flavors such as apricot and honeysuckle, yet it retains a full-bodied roundness that is complemented by balanced oak.
Quail Run Vineyards was established in 1989 in the warmer growing region of southern Oregon. Typically associated with the northern Rhône region of France, the grapes are a good example of the sum being even better than its parts. Roussanne, known for its spicy and acidic characteristics, is offset by Marsanne with its rich notes of stone fruit and honey. Vanilla bean, wildflower, nutmeg, orange marmalade, and sweet oak are also detectable.
Winemaking Process
Fermentation was 100% in French oak barrels, followed by sur lie aging for seven months in French oak, 35% new.
Vintage Notes
The vintage started out slightly cool and wet, turned hot and dry, and ended cool and wet again. Temperatures began warming up in May around budbreak and bloom. Conditions remained dry and hot – but not too hot – until gentle rains fell in mid-September, arriving just in time to extend harvest and allow some latitude in picking schedules. Moderately warm days followed by cool nights gave the vines a chance to rest in the evening and concentrate efforts on developing more fruit complexity and flavors. Yields were high, and wines from this vintage are exceptional.
Specs
Varietals: Roussanne (64%), Marsanne (23%), and Viognier (13%)
AVA: Rogue Valley
Vineyard: Quail Run Vineyards
Alcohol: 14.5%
What’s Included
4-bottles:
4x 2018 King Estate Roussanne-Marsanne, Quail Run Vineyards, Rogue Valley Case:
12x 2018 King Estate Roussanne-Marsanne, Quail Run Vineyards, Rogue Valley
When King Estate was founded in 1991, it was driven by a commitment to sustainability and profound respect for the land. The adventurous spirit that inspired us from the beginning continues to guide us as we nurture our vineyards to craft premium Oregon wines.
The King Estate story is woven into the history of Oregon wine, where winemaking is synonymous with discovery and sustainability. The last 30 years have been focused on innovation, craft, and a deep sense of respect for the land, the vines, and the people who enjoy our wines. We have been establishing our traditions, one vintage at a time.
Crafted with an artisanal style that celebrates the unique characteristics of the Pacific Northwest, our sustainably grown and thoughtfully produced wines are world-renowned.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@ilCesare I got the case of the 2016 in 2023, and it was good, but the bottles I kept longer than a year degraded, though it held up better than the Viognier. Not sure I’d spend $50 more on one that’s already almost 6 years old.
@ilCesare@Mark_L Same % increase on the smaller buy. Storage costs, overall inflation (despite what they’re saying at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.), possibly a difference in the perceived difference in the quality for the 2018 vs. the 2017. I wonder what were the SRPs at release.
@ddeuddeg@ilCesare@Mark_L I feel like storage costs should make older white wines go down in price, not up. It’s basically fire sale to clear it out the space for newer vintages.
A beautiful Sunday calls for some white wine! I was really eager to try this Roussanne–Marsanne from the Rogue Valley. This blend immediately intrigued me, as I haven’t tried a Pacific Northwest version of this varietal and this King Estate bottle comes out of Southern Oregon.
I had this bottle in the refrigerator all day, so it was quite chilled upon pop and pour. Out of the bottle, I loved the pale, pure, water-white color of the wine. The nose was light, bringing forward notes of green apple, apricot, and florals. The first sip was light and fresh, and I immediately noticed how well the grapes in this blend worked together. A seamless harmony between the Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier grapes that make up this King Estate wine. I picked up the same notes from the nose on the palate, with honeysuckle and a touch of sweetness on the finish. After about 10 minutes, as the wine warmed slightly, the flavor profile became more complex and the nose more expressive. I began to notice very subtle hints of oak, and it started to pop a bit more on the palate.
I enjoyed this alongside some crackers and a cheese platter before dinner, and it paired wonderfully. Because this is a lighter, crisp white, I think it works especially well with bold cheeses. I also think it would pair nicely with a fish dinner. But most importantly, it paired well with backgammon and a 49ers win!
This is a great bottle to stock up on for the summertime. It’s lovely on its own and malleable enough to pair beautifully with a variety of spring and summer meals.
@queen_of_cali
folks, Lab Rats in particular; those apple heic uploads just don’t work here.
You need to use a format that works, png, img, jpg or the like…
see https://heic.online/
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2018 King Estate Roussanne-Marsanne - $40 = 19.04%
Apologies for interrupting this wine sale with a UPS rant but Casemates really needs to look into changing shippers.
This time, the UPS website would not allow me to “Hold at Location” - even though I’ve done it before. Tried 5 times and they locked my tracking number.
After an hour on hold today they allowed a hold at Staples for $8 UPS tried to deliver anyway, I spoke to the driver via doorbell and he told me they can’t leave wine at Staples.
@forlich I so agree with this. UPS is such a hassle trying to hold at location. I have an order in the queue and I’m gonna be seriously annoyed if there is no re-routing to a hold location. Can’t understand why they can’t offer UPS and FedEx, then just let the account holder pick their default shipping company.
@drcanak@forlich They can’t give us the option unless you’re willing to spend significantly more for your wine here. Part of the bargain is that WCC contracts with a shipper for all its business to bring everybody further savings. YMMV, of course, but I think it’s probably the right trade-off. And if FedEx wanted the business then they could get it, I’m sure.
@forlich Far be it from me to tell UPS how to run their business, but doesn’t offering hold at a location for free make more sense than charging people, thereby discouraging the use of the service? What does it cost UPS to have their driver return to a house three times?
@forlich@klezman I disagree that the cost is significantly more. I’m in another wine club that allows me to select the shipping company, and it’s the same price either way. I order directly from Dr. K. Frank in NY. They default to UPS. I ask that they ship FedEx with the understanding I’ll pay the difference. They switch no problem and don’t charge me any extra because they told me the cost is the same regardless of the shipping company.
@drcanak@forlich there’s no way that wine club ships anywhere near the same amount as WCC. I’d bet the club is paying retail while WCC is getting a massive volume discount.
I’ve had lots more problems with FedEx than UPS, although they have both messed up at times. I’ve had problems with “Hold at Location” before. Usually, waiting a few hours or a day and trying again fixes it. A year or two ago it wouldn’t work at all. I called UPS but they could not tell me why. I ended up cancelling “UPS My Choice Premium,” and got a refund. Signed up again immediately and it fixed the problem.
Speaking of shipping…but hold up, King Estate makes GREAT wines!
Ok, 2 cases ordered before Christmas are still processing. I have never seen it take that long before, even counting holidays orders are still a week (or more) behind.
Submitted tickets
2018 King Estate Roussanne-Marsanne, Quail Run Vineyards, Rogue Valley
Tasting Notes
Winemaking Process
Vintage Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$384.00/Case for 12x 2018 King Estate Roussanne-Marsanne, Quail Run Vineyards, Rogue Valley at King Estate Winery
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, Feb 5 - Monday, Feb 9
2018 King Estate Roussanne-Marsanne
4 bottles for $69.99 $17.50/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $159.99 $13.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Previous offers:
3/22/23 (2017)
1/2/23 (2016)
@ilCesare 60% increase on case price over the previous 2 offers!
@ilCesare @Mark_L Storage costs on these old vintages
@ilCesare I got the case of the 2016 in 2023, and it was good, but the bottles I kept longer than a year degraded, though it held up better than the Viognier. Not sure I’d spend $50 more on one that’s already almost 6 years old.
@ilCesare @Mark_L Same % increase on the smaller buy. Storage costs, overall inflation (despite what they’re saying at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.), possibly a difference in the perceived difference in the quality for the 2018 vs. the 2017. I wonder what were the SRPs at release.
@ddeuddeg @ilCesare @Mark_L I feel like storage costs should make older white wines go down in price, not up. It’s basically fire sale to clear it out the space for newer vintages.
A beautiful Sunday calls for some white wine! I was really eager to try this Roussanne–Marsanne from the Rogue Valley. This blend immediately intrigued me, as I haven’t tried a Pacific Northwest version of this varietal and this King Estate bottle comes out of Southern Oregon.
I had this bottle in the refrigerator all day, so it was quite chilled upon pop and pour. Out of the bottle, I loved the pale, pure, water-white color of the wine. The nose was light, bringing forward notes of green apple, apricot, and florals. The first sip was light and fresh, and I immediately noticed how well the grapes in this blend worked together. A seamless harmony between the Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier grapes that make up this King Estate wine. I picked up the same notes from the nose on the palate, with honeysuckle and a touch of sweetness on the finish. After about 10 minutes, as the wine warmed slightly, the flavor profile became more complex and the nose more expressive. I began to notice very subtle hints of oak, and it started to pop a bit more on the palate.
I enjoyed this alongside some crackers and a cheese platter before dinner, and it paired wonderfully. Because this is a lighter, crisp white, I think it works especially well with bold cheeses. I also think it would pair nicely with a fish dinner. But most importantly, it paired well with backgammon and a 49ers win!
This is a great bottle to stock up on for the summertime. It’s lovely on its own and malleable enough to pair beautifully with a variety of spring and summer meals.
@queen_of_cali
folks, Lab Rats in particular; those apple heic uploads just don’t work here.
You need to use a format that works, png, img, jpg or the like…
see https://heic.online/
@queen_of_cali IG has been advertising that backgammon set to me on the reg.
@canonizer I recommend it almost as much as the wine
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2018 King Estate Roussanne-Marsanne - $40 = 19.04%
I thoroughly enjoyed this blend last time it was offered, happy to see it again!
/giphy faint-subsequent-giraffe
Can’t resist!
/giphy imminent-ample-grasshopper
Apologies for interrupting this wine sale with a UPS rant but Casemates really needs to look into changing shippers.
This time, the UPS website would not allow me to “Hold at Location” - even though I’ve done it before. Tried 5 times and they locked my tracking number.
After an hour on hold today they allowed a hold at Staples for $8 UPS tried to deliver anyway, I spoke to the driver via doorbell and he told me they can’t leave wine at Staples.
@forlich I so agree with this. UPS is such a hassle trying to hold at location. I have an order in the queue and I’m gonna be seriously annoyed if there is no re-routing to a hold location. Can’t understand why they can’t offer UPS and FedEx, then just let the account holder pick their default shipping company.
@drcanak @forlich They can’t give us the option unless you’re willing to spend significantly more for your wine here. Part of the bargain is that WCC contracts with a shipper for all its business to bring everybody further savings. YMMV, of course, but I think it’s probably the right trade-off. And if FedEx wanted the business then they could get it, I’m sure.
@forlich Far be it from me to tell UPS how to run their business, but doesn’t offering hold at a location for free make more sense than charging people, thereby discouraging the use of the service? What does it cost UPS to have their driver return to a house three times?
@drcanak @klezman Maybe Amazon delivery arm could bid for it, how ironic would that be?
@drcanak @forlich Love it!
@forlich @klezman I disagree that the cost is significantly more. I’m in another wine club that allows me to select the shipping company, and it’s the same price either way. I order directly from Dr. K. Frank in NY. They default to UPS. I ask that they ship FedEx with the understanding I’ll pay the difference. They switch no problem and don’t charge me any extra because they told me the cost is the same regardless of the shipping company.
@drcanak @forlich there’s no way that wine club ships anywhere near the same amount as WCC. I’d bet the club is paying retail while WCC is getting a massive volume discount.
I’ve had lots more problems with FedEx than UPS, although they have both messed up at times. I’ve had problems with “Hold at Location” before. Usually, waiting a few hours or a day and trying again fixes it. A year or two ago it wouldn’t work at all. I called UPS but they could not tell me why. I ended up cancelling “UPS My Choice Premium,” and got a refund. Signed up again immediately and it fixed the problem.
What is with the whites not shipping to RI??
Speaking of shipping…but hold up, King Estate makes GREAT wines!
Ok, 2 cases ordered before Christmas are still processing. I have never seen it take that long before, even counting holidays orders are still a week (or more) behind.
Submitted tickets