Stephen Brook: Straw gold. Stewed apricot on the nose, which seems to have a touch of botrytis, though that’s unlikely with Petit Manseng. Soft and juicy, this has ample orange and apricot fruit. Unfortunately, it lacks the clarity and raciness of the variety at its pristine best and comes across as heavy rather than racy. There’s no lack of fruit and opulence, but what this does lack is typicity. Medium length. 88
Andrew Jefford: Full clear gold. Wow: gorgeous aromatic enchantment here. Lovely buttered pineapple tarte tatin, but with a squeeze of lime to add a little zest, too. On the palate, this is richer and less zesty/acid-balanced than I expected, but the perfumed quality provides ample balance, and as a simple and uncomplicated dessert wine with attractive tropical fruits, this would be hard to better. Delicious, sweet, generous wine with lots of scented appeal. 90
Peter Liem: This is prominently botrytized, with fragrant notes of litchi and grapefruit on the nose and flavors of mango, papaya, grilled corn, and fresh caramel on the palate. It’s kept buoyant by bright acidity, which elongates the aromas on the finish and prevents them from becoming heavy. 86
Details
Wine expert | Andrew Jefford Stephen Brook Peter Liem |
Tastings year | 2017 |
Region | Virginia |
King Family Vineyards

