Oregon Wine Grabs First Place as the Best $20 Option by Wine Enthusiastic Editors

The 2022 ‘Inscription’ Pinot Noir by Oregon’s King Estate Winery in Eugene has been ranked as the best under $20 option by Wine Enthusiastic editors after reviewing more than 23,000 different wines during the last year.

Inscription also ranked internationally, claiming three other spots on the list. The Oregon cultivar was placed among countries like the U.S.A. that led with 42 selections, Argentina, Austria, Chile, Italy, France, and Portugal.

‘Inscription’ is an Aromatic Roller-Coaster Ride says Wine Critic

Willamette Valley wine Inscription, described by wine critic Michael Alberty as an ‘aromatic roller-coaster ride’ with ‘bright red cherries and orange zest,’ is available at retail outlets, restaurant menus, and online at $20 a bottle.

Three Other State Wines Make the Top 100 Under $20 List

Another Oregon wine featured, also from the Willamette Valley, is Amalie Robert Estate’s 2022 Book Club White Wine at No. 10, described by Alberty as ‘a stunning wine with sweet floral notes suggesting sweet peas, honeysuckle and white clover.’

Oregon’s Erath Winery’s 2022 Resplendent Pinot Noir is placed at No. 64 and described by Alberty as ‘an aromatic trip to Grandma’s house with aromas of a roast in the oven flanked by sweet red cherries, orange peel and cinnamon.’

Finally, Portlandia Winery’s 2022 Pinot Gris from the Washington-Oregon region, is placed at No. 73. At $17 a bottle, Alberty’s description is a quality wine that ‘launches a yin and yang aromatic set featuring orange creamsicle and lemon verbena tea.’

King Estate began in 1991 and has become the largest certified biodynamic vineyard in North America, weaving its name into the history of Oregon where winemaking is synonymous with an ideology of sustainability and discovery.

King Estate is North America’s Largest Certified Biodynamic Vineyard

Owned by Ed Jr. King, the estate is on 1,033 acres of rolling vineyards purchased by his father, also Ed Jr. The first vines were planted in 1992 on 16.5 acres that grew to 100 under vine by 1994. The first vintage of estate-grown grapes was harvested the following year.

King Estate then acquired two adjoining properties, the Springhill Ranch to the north and the Doughty Ranch to the east. By 2006, the King Estate Restaurant was opened, serving wine estate visitors with fine dining and wine pairings.

King Estate earned its reputation as North America’s largest certified Biodynamic vineyard after adopting the Biodynamic standard in 2016. The estate is an integrated ecosystem of vineyards and woodlands, grasslands and wetlands, berries, culinary gardens, and orchards.

Located in the Willamette Valley, King Estate produces red, white, rose, and sparkling wines which are among 40 small production wines from celebrated vineyards in Oregon and adjoining Washington state.