Review: Wines of Amazon’s Next, 2017 Releases

By Christopher Null | September 12, 2017 |

If you know Oregon wine, you probably know King Estate, which has been producing quality (but not outrageously-priced) wine since 1991. Now the King family has launched a new brand: Next, “the first wine ever developed from conception to release with Amazon Wine.” (Four more new labels are also in the works.)

So, don’t call it a second label, I guess, but let’s dig into the three initial wines — all available on Amazon! — and see how they fare.

2016 Next Pinot Gris Willamette Valley – This is a fresh expression of Willamette pinot gris, lightly floral with modest tropical notes, the pineapple and mango leading the way to a brightly acidic core that’s studded with touches of cinnamon and a finish that’s crisp, clean, and aromatic. Really quite lovely. A- / $20 [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]

2015 Next Pinot Noir Oregon – The generalist “Oregon” AVA sounds suspect, but Next turns in a respectable little pinot with this bottling, loaded up with well-rounded notes of roasted meats, menthol, and an ample, if lightly oxidized-tasting, note of blackberries layered with spice. B+ / $40 [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]

2014 Next Red Blend Columbia Valley – A Washington blend, 39% Syrah, 38% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon. A bolder wine, but well-balanced with notes of clove, sweet plum, currants, and a dense but fruit-filled finish. B+ / $30 [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]

Update 2017: Amazon recently shuttered its wine program, and these wines are no longer on the market.