Dec 30, 2022
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Knez Winery
| Owner(s) | Peter Knez |
| Web site | www.knezwinery.com |
| Link to this site |
Owner Peter Knez acquired Demuth Vineyard and Cerise Vineyard in the Anderson Valley in 2007 and 2008 for his eponymous winery. The vineyards are on the grape-growing edge, ripening late even by late-ripening Anderson Valley standards. The first winemaker was Anthony Filiberti, who was well acquainted with Demuth Vineyard while making wine at Anthill Farms. The winemaker in 2015 was Ryan McAllister, a veteran winemaker and vineyardist at several Anderson Valley wineries and vineyards.
The inaugural Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, a combination of Cerise and Demuth fruit, was released with the 2009 vintage. A 2009 single-vineyard Demuth and Cerise Pinot Noir followed in the fall of 2011.
The wines are sold through a mailing list with some retail distribution. A tasting room in The Madrones is now closed. I believe the winery's last vintage was 2014.
Articles About Knez Winery
2014 California Value Priced Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
Anderson Noir Valley: The Festival (9.8 6/24/2012)
Anderson Noir Valley: Trade Tasting (9.8 6/24/2012)
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival (9.26 6/23/2013)
California Chardonnay (9.8 6/24/2012)
Chardonnays of Interest (8.40 6/30/2011)
Highlights of the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival Technical Conference (9.44 7/28/2014)
In Pursuit of Balance: A Discriminating Goal (9.20 2/26/2013)
More Anderson Noir Valley Pinot (9.8 6/24/2012)
Pinot Briefs (9.1 1/11/2012)
Press Tasting of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir (9.44 7/28/2014)
Press Tasting of Current Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Releases (10.34 7/24/2016)
Sips of Chardonnay: Recently Sampled Wines (9.23 4/13/2013)
Tastings with Winemakers: Drew, Balo, Bink, Knez and Signal Ridge (9.44 7/28/2014)
Reviewed Wines
2012 Knez Anderson Valley White Wine
13.8% alc., sold out. First crop from Knez Vineyard. Two-thirds
Pinot Gris and one-third Malavasia and Friulano. One neutral barrel.
·
A pleasurable sipping wine that is bright
and lively, with flavors of lemon, pear and slightly nutty oak.
Reviewed July 28, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Knez Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 1,200 cases, $29. Two-thirds Cerise
(primarily Dijon clones), one-third Demuth (primarily Wädenswil). 50% whole cluster fermentation.
Aged in 25% new French oak.
·
Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose unfolds nicely
over time in the glass to reveal aromas of cherry, raspberry and herbs. Plenty of juicy red cherry
fruit shows up on the mid weight palate with a hint of spice. Very silky and sexy in the mouth, with
some finishing presence.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 28, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Knez Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay
13.2% alc., 168 cases, $37. Chardonnay vines
planted in 1981. Unique small and large berries in same clusters. Harvest first two weeks in October. Native
fermentation, 100% malolactic fermentation and aged in 30% new French oak. Bottled 3 weeks before this
tasting.
·
Aromas of lemon, pear and tropical fruits are echoed on the palate which is crisp and bright. Oak plays
a complimentary role in the background and the finish is filled with sea brine and electric, lemon-driven acidity.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 28, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Knez Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 650 cases, $42. Clones are primarily
Wädenswil, Pommard, Martini and David Bruce.
·
Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose reflects
some whole cluster fermentation with aromas of exotic roses, Moroccan spices, black cherries and the slightest
oak. A mid weight, brawny wine with big shoulders., offering generous flavors of black cherry, black raspberry,
tar and animale. The fruit coats the mouth and provides uncommon intensity on the finish which offers a
modest rush of dry tannins. A distinctive wine that is terroir-driven and should improve over the next several
years in bottle.
Score: 91.
Reviewed July 28, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Knez Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., 500 cases, $42. 50% Pommard and
50% Wädenswil clones. Harvest Brix 20º-22º. 50% whole cluster, aged in 30% 4-year-air-dried Francois
Frères French oak barrels. The barrel management is intended to reduce tannins.
·
Moderately dark reddish
purple color in the glass. Highly perfumed nose with bright aromas of cherries and rose petals with a hint of
exotic spices. Very complex flavor profile including cherry, cranberry, dried herbs, and whole cluster spice.
More elegant, caressing and accessible than the 2012 Cerise with modest tannins and lasting flavors. Still
young, but this is clearly a great wine.
Score: 93.
Reviewed July 28, 2014
ARTICLE »
2010 Knez Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay
13.2% alc., $37.
·
A very appealing wine that is not gussied up
with oak and is highly flavorful. Lemon and green apple aromas
and flavors are featured with a faint note of fresh brioche. Crisp,
bright and refreshing, like biting into a ripe green apple. Very
charming. This is a Grand Cru level old vine Chardonnay
vineyard.
Reviewed April 13, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Knez Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.58, 500 cases, $42. Released
October 2012. Clones are Martini David Bruce, Pommard, Wädenswil, and 777. 17-year-old vines. 50% whole
cluster. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels. 25% of press wine added to each barrel after pressing the
must. Racked once, the day before bottling.
·
Very light crimson color in the glass. Highly aromatic featuring
scents of cherry pie, spice and dried herbs. Fresh and vibrant flavors of cherries, brewed tea, savory herbs
and edible flowers. Quite juicy and refreshing with vibrant acidity and composed dry tannins. Very good.
Reviewed June 23, 2013
ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Winery Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay
14.0% alc., $30. A new producer who
now owns Demuth and Cerise vineyards in the Anderson Valley.
·
Light straw color and clear in the glass.
Aromas of stewed apple. Flavor of apple with a slight medicinal note. Lacks flavor intensity, brightness and
interest. I have had incredible Chardonnays from this vineyard but this wine falls short. Decent at best.
Reviewed July 1, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Winery Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay
14.0% alc., $30.
·
Light straw in color.
Aromas of buttered toast and toasted oak overshadow aromas of pear, apple and petrichor. Flavorful, featuring
baked apples, pear, toffee, and an appealing mineral character. Slightly creamy with a steely finish. A
restrained and delicate, acid-driven style. Very good.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., $36. Sourced from several different
blocks that are fermented separately. Primarily older clones with a lesser amount of Dijon clones. Significant
whole cluster. Native fermentations. Aged 12 months in 30-40% new French oak barrels.
·
Herb-kissed
cherries on the nose. Delicious array of dark red fruits, nicely spiced, with fine-grain, well-tamed tannins, and a
very long and fruit-filled finish. Appealing animale character. Very good (+).
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Estate Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., 325 cases, $36.
·
Moderately
light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of sous-bois, tinderbox and tobacco lead to a mid weighted wine
featuring flavors of black cherry, smoky oak and tertiary savory characters that come with aging. The tannins
have melded, and the finish still offers pleasing fruit and spice.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 24, 2016
ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Winery Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., $36. Some whole cluster.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple
color in the glass. A stunning wine with enticing aromas of fresh cherry
pie, nutmeg spice, herbs and petrichor. The juicy palate sings the same
tune with interesting herbal, spice, mineral and earth nuances, persisting
on the generous finish. Underlain with fine, fuzzy tannins and well-honed
acidity. A complete wine.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Winery Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $36.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple color in the glass. Demure but pleasing aromas of dark red cherries and brambly berries,
brioche and old book. Tasty middle weight flavors of raspberries and cranberries with a savory herb undertone,
picking up flavor intensity and interest over time in the glass. Well-proportioned tannins and acidity. This wine
grows on you and is easy to drink. Very good.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 400 cases, $39, released September
1, 2011. 30-year-old dry-farmed vines. 30-50% whole cluster native fermentations, aged 16 months in 40%
new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Medium reddish-purple color and slightly cloudy in the
glass. Appealing aromas of cut flowers, cherry and spice. Lean and tight on the palate with flavors of dark red
cherries and savory herbs. May come out of its shell with further cellaring. Good.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2012 Knez Anderson Valley White Wine
13.8% alc., sold out. First crop from Knez Vineyard. Two-thirds Pinot Gris and one-third Malavasia and Friulano. One neutral barrel. · A pleasurable sipping wine that is bright and lively, with flavors of lemon, pear and slightly nutty oak. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Knez Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 1,200 cases, $29. Two-thirds Cerise (primarily Dijon clones), one-third Demuth (primarily Wädenswil). 50% whole cluster fermentation. Aged in 25% new French oak. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose unfolds nicely over time in the glass to reveal aromas of cherry, raspberry and herbs. Plenty of juicy red cherry fruit shows up on the mid weight palate with a hint of spice. Very silky and sexy in the mouth, with some finishing presence. Score: 89. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Knez Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay
13.2% alc., 168 cases, $37. Chardonnay vines planted in 1981. Unique small and large berries in same clusters. Harvest first two weeks in October. Native fermentation, 100% malolactic fermentation and aged in 30% new French oak. Bottled 3 weeks before this tasting. · Aromas of lemon, pear and tropical fruits are echoed on the palate which is crisp and bright. Oak plays a complimentary role in the background and the finish is filled with sea brine and electric, lemon-driven acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Knez Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., 650 cases, $42. Clones are primarily Wädenswil, Pommard, Martini and David Bruce. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose reflects some whole cluster fermentation with aromas of exotic roses, Moroccan spices, black cherries and the slightest oak. A mid weight, brawny wine with big shoulders., offering generous flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, tar and animale. The fruit coats the mouth and provides uncommon intensity on the finish which offers a modest rush of dry tannins. A distinctive wine that is terroir-driven and should improve over the next several years in bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Knez Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., 500 cases, $42. 50% Pommard and 50% Wädenswil clones. Harvest Brix 20º-22º. 50% whole cluster, aged in 30% 4-year-air-dried Francois Frères French oak barrels. The barrel management is intended to reduce tannins. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Highly perfumed nose with bright aromas of cherries and rose petals with a hint of exotic spices. Very complex flavor profile including cherry, cranberry, dried herbs, and whole cluster spice. More elegant, caressing and accessible than the 2012 Cerise with modest tannins and lasting flavors. Still young, but this is clearly a great wine. Score: 93. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »
2010 Knez Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay
13.2% alc., $37. · A very appealing wine that is not gussied up with oak and is highly flavorful. Lemon and green apple aromas and flavors are featured with a faint note of fresh brioche. Crisp, bright and refreshing, like biting into a ripe green apple. Very charming. This is a Grand Cru level old vine Chardonnay vineyard. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Knez Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.58, 500 cases, $42. Released October 2012. Clones are Martini David Bruce, Pommard, Wädenswil, and 777. 17-year-old vines. 50% whole cluster. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels. 25% of press wine added to each barrel after pressing the must. Racked once, the day before bottling. · Very light crimson color in the glass. Highly aromatic featuring scents of cherry pie, spice and dried herbs. Fresh and vibrant flavors of cherries, brewed tea, savory herbs and edible flowers. Quite juicy and refreshing with vibrant acidity and composed dry tannins. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Winery Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay
14.0% alc., $30. A new producer who now owns Demuth and Cerise vineyards in the Anderson Valley. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Aromas of stewed apple. Flavor of apple with a slight medicinal note. Lacks flavor intensity, brightness and interest. I have had incredible Chardonnays from this vineyard but this wine falls short. Decent at best. Reviewed July 1, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Winery Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay
14.0% alc., $30. · Light straw in color. Aromas of buttered toast and toasted oak overshadow aromas of pear, apple and petrichor. Flavorful, featuring baked apples, pear, toffee, and an appealing mineral character. Slightly creamy with a steely finish. A restrained and delicate, acid-driven style. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., $36. Sourced from several different blocks that are fermented separately. Primarily older clones with a lesser amount of Dijon clones. Significant whole cluster. Native fermentations. Aged 12 months in 30-40% new French oak barrels. · Herb-kissed cherries on the nose. Delicious array of dark red fruits, nicely spiced, with fine-grain, well-tamed tannins, and a very long and fruit-filled finish. Appealing animale character. Very good (+). Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Estate Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., 325 cases, $36. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of sous-bois, tinderbox and tobacco lead to a mid weighted wine featuring flavors of black cherry, smoky oak and tertiary savory characters that come with aging. The tannins have melded, and the finish still offers pleasing fruit and spice. Score: 89. Reviewed July 24, 2016 ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Winery Cerise Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., $36. Some whole cluster. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A stunning wine with enticing aromas of fresh cherry pie, nutmeg spice, herbs and petrichor. The juicy palate sings the same tune with interesting herbal, spice, mineral and earth nuances, persisting on the generous finish. Underlain with fine, fuzzy tannins and well-honed acidity. A complete wine. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Winery Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $36. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Demure but pleasing aromas of dark red cherries and brambly berries, brioche and old book. Tasty middle weight flavors of raspberries and cranberries with a savory herb undertone, picking up flavor intensity and interest over time in the glass. Well-proportioned tannins and acidity. This wine grows on you and is easy to drink. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Knez Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 400 cases, $39, released September 1, 2011. 30-year-old dry-farmed vines. 30-50% whole cluster native fermentations, aged 16 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish-purple color and slightly cloudy in the glass. Appealing aromas of cut flowers, cherry and spice. Lean and tight on the palate with flavors of dark red cherries and savory herbs. May come out of its shell with further cellaring. Good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »