Dec 30, 2022
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Knudsen Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Knudsen Family |
| Web site | www.knudsenvineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
The children (Page Knudsen Cowles and two of her three brothers) of Cal Knudsen are carrying on his tradition with the creation of Knudsen Vineyards in 2013, focusing on Pinot Noir from grapes their father planted. Pioneering winegrower Cal Knudsen first planted Knudsen Vineyards in the early 1970s, making this one of Oregon's landmark vineyards. The vineyard is located just north of Stoller Vineyard in the Dundee Hills and is a mix of old vine blocks planted in the 1970s and 1980s, and new high-density blocks planted with Dijon clones in the 1990s. The vineyard also has smaller plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.
Knudsen partnered with Dick Erath to create Knudsen-Erath where Knudsen grew the grapes and Erath made the wine. Their partnership lasted until 1987 and they remained lifelong friends. At that time, Argyle Winery was beginning and Knudsen supplied the grapes for the new winery. In 1990, he sold his holdings in Earth Winery, invested them in Argyle and became its chairman, a post he held until retiring in 2007.
The first wine, all of 100 cases, was an estate Pinot Noir from the 2012 vintage. An inaugural Chardonnay was released from the 2013 vintage. They were made by Rollin Soles of ROCO (and previously the winemaker at Argyle) and current winemaker Nate Klosterman. The wine is sold through a mailing list, select retailers, and the website.
Articles About Knudsen Vineyards
2015 California & Oregon Chardonnay First Team All-Americans (10.23 12/27/2015)
2015 Oregon Pinot Noir Second Team All-Americans (10.23 12/27/2015)
2017 Oregon Chardonnay All-Americans (11.15 12/16/2017)
2017 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.15 12/16/2017)
2018 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
A Few Notable Wines Tasted Recently (11.21 3/31/2018)
Briefs (12.4 3/22/2020)
Briefs (12.7 6/14/2020)
Inaugural Knudsen Vineyards Pinot Noir (9.49 10/20/2014)
Knudsen Vineyards (10.38 9/17/2016)
Knudsen Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir: Beguiling Wines Reflect Dundee Hills Terroir (11.30 9/14/2018)
Knudsen Vineyards New Releases (11.10 9/24/2017)
Oregon Chardonnay Gaining Prominence (10.33 7/6/2016)
Pinot Briefs (11.46 6/17/2019)
Pinot Briefs (9.47 9/14/2014)
Pinot Briefs (10.7 4/6/2015)
Recently Tasted California & Oregon Chardonnay To Swoon Over (10.27 3/12/2016)
Recently Tasted Willamette Valley Wines (11.42 4/14/2019)
Sips of Recently Tasted Wines (10.50 3/8/2017)
Small Sips of Recently Tasted Premium Oregon Pinot Noir (10.16 9/3/2015)
Surprise Yourself with Oregon Chardonnay (11.3 5/6/2017)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.65, 250
cases, $45, screw cap. A blend from Block 9 planted in 1995 to Dijon 95 and 76 clones and Block 10 planted in
1995 to Dijon clone 76. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 23% new.
·
Light golden yellow color in the glass.
Invigorating aromas of fresh lemon and petrichor. Crisp, clean and rousing like a cold shower on a hot day.
Flavors of lemon, white peach and pear carry through to a quenching finish. Impeccable harmony. More
austere in this vintage but still classy and highly satisfying.
Score: 93.
Reviewed April 16, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.68, 320 cases, $45, screw cap.
Offered to members of mailing list beginning March 28.
Estate grown fruit from block 9 planted in 1995 to clones 95
and 76, and Block 10 planted in 1995 to clone 76. Red
volcanic Jory soils. The wine was aged 11 months in French
oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color
in the glass. Complimentary aromas of citrus fruits, honey and caramel
oak. Gentle and soothing on the palate, with delightful flavors of lemon,
pineapple, apple pan dowdy, crème brûlée and subtle blonde caramel.
The wine has a generous acid underbelly and the oak is woven in
beautifully. Highly refreshing, with a finish that strongly encourages
another sip.
Score: 96.
Reviewed April 1, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.62, TA
0.54, 500 cases, $55, screw cap. Fruit was sourced from three vineyard blocks featuring clones
777, 667 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.6º. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Quintessential Dundee Hills Pinot Noir featuring waves of
red cherry and red raspberry fruit aromas and flavors, complimented by tones of sandalwood,
baking spices and fertile earth. I swear I could taste an “iron minerality” in this wine. Impeccably
balanced, with a deft touch of oak, empowering juiciness and a long cherry-fueled finish.
Intoxicating in a good way.
Score: 94.
Reviewed September 14, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Reserve Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH
3.55, TA 0.55, 200 cases, $70, screw cap. Fruit sourced from three blocks that revealed themselves
to be special and distinct. 100% clone 777. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 35% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. A totally different wine from the regular Willamette Valley
bottling. Darker fruited in a mid weight style with aromas and flavors of black cherry, pomegranate
and black raspberry framed by a touch more oak. Compared to the regular Dundee Hills bottling,
there was more extraction, a little more tannic backbone, and a longer, deeply aromatic finish. A
luscious texture really enhanced the pleasure. Even better when tasted several hours after opening.
Score: 96.
Reviewed September 14, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
14.0% alc., pH 3.33, TA 0.71, 320
cases, $45, screwcap. Vineyard still Knudsen family owned since 1971, Salmon Safe and LIVE certified
sustainable. This wine debuted February 25, 2017, at 2017 Oregon Chardonnay Celebration. Release April 4,
2017. Harvest Brix 22.6º. Dijon clones 95 and 76 planted in 1995 in Jory soils at an elevation of 655-760 feet.
Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 27% new.
·
Very light platinum color in the glass. Demure aromas of
apple, citrus, almond biscotti and buttery brioche excite the senses. Serene and sophisticated on the palate,
with flavors of apple, pear and coconut. Impeccably balanced, with a sleek mouthfeel and a lip smacking, dry
finish. Very classy juice.
Score: 93.
Reviewed March 6, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
14.0% alc., pH 3.33, TA
0.71, 320 cases, $45, screwcap. Harvest Brix 22.6. Dijon clones 95 and 76 planted in 1995 in Jory
soils. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 27% new.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in the
glass. Slightly riper fruited with more body than the 2014 vintage version. Nicely perfumed with
aromas of lemon curd, cut apple, nectarine, and buttery brioche. Highly satisfying on the palate with
flavors of citrus, pear, ripe apple, spice and vanilla, and a zing of lemon-lime on the juicy, prolonged
finish. Slightly creamy in texture and polished, combining the most desirable traits of Chardonnay. Still
stunning when tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 96.
Reviewed May 6, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Knudsen Vineyards Estate Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.57,
500 cases, $55, screwcap. Clones 777 and 667 planted in Jory soil. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels,
20% new.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass. A very friendly wine with cozy aromas of red cherry, cranberry and
sandalwood. Light to mid weight in style, with a charming core of red fruits with cherry as the centerpiece.
Additional accents include baking spices and brioche. Elegantly styled and forward drinking with harmonious
tannins and a robust finish that seems to build in generosity over time in the glass. This lovely wine reveals the
demure, angelic side of Pinot Noir.
Score: 93.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Knudsen Vineyards Estate Reserve Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.44, TA
0.55, 225 cases, $70, screwcap. Clone 777 planted in
Jory soil. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 35%
new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
Welcoming aromas of fresh cherry, spice and rose petal.
Upon entry, the wine engages with riveting and luscious
black cherry, black raspberry and plum flavors accented
with a charming dose of spice. A sophisticated wine that is truly
special with impeccable balance, a seamless texture and a grand
finish that lingers until the next sip. This collectible wine was even
more seductive when tasted the following day from a previously
opened and re-corked bottle when my wife and I eagerly polished it
off.
Score: 96.
Reviewed September 24, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.63, 275 cases, $45,
screwcap. This vineyard is home to the oldest plantings of Dijon
Chardonnay clones in Oregon dating back to 1990. That year,
Allen Holstein, the vineyard manager, established over 8 acres
of Dijon clones 76 and 96 in Jory soil in the Dundee Hills. This
wine is a blend of Dijon clones 76 and 95 planted in 1995. Aged
6 months in French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Light golden yellow color and
clear in the glass. Inviting aromas of white peach, lemon oil, shaved oak
and floral goodness lead to a discreetly concentrated and thoroughly
satisfying citrus-driven wine offering considerable complexity. Additional
fruit flavors of pear and apple mix amicably with subtle oak driven notes
of vanilla and spice. The lemon-infused finish is driven by a bright cut of
acidity as the wine literally slides off the back of the palate. One of Oregon’s finest Chardonnays.
Score: 94.
Reviewed March 12, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.27, TA
0.63, 275 cases, $45, screwcap. Vineyard is home to oldest plantings of Dijon clones in Willamette
Valley (1990). A blend of clones 76 and 95 planted in Jory soil in 1995. Aged 6 months in French oak
barrels, 20% new. Last tasted in March 2016.
·
Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Lovely
aromas of lemon, grapefruit, green apple and white flower. Soft in the mouth, with the full display of
citrus fruits as well as notes of apple, spice and honey. Bright and crisp, with a wave of citrus returning
at the end.
Score: 94.
Reviewed July 9, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.27, TA
0.63, 275 cases, $45, screwcap. A blend of Dijon 76 and 95 planted in Jory soil in 1995. Aged 6
months in French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Lovely
aromas of lemon, white orchard fruits, buttery brioche and cold steel. Clean and refreshing on the
palate, with flavors of apple, Asian pear, lemon-lime and a hint of vanilla, with a sleek mouthfeel,
impeccable balance, and an uplifting finish. Still charming when tasted two days later from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 94.
Reviewed May 6, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1%
alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.52, 560 cases, $55, screwcap. Clones 667, 777 and
115 planted in 1994-2004 in Jory soil at 570 to 810 feet elevation. Aged
15 months in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderately light reddish
purple color in the glass. A very gracious wine with vibrant aromas of
cherry compote, Asian spice and a hint of graham. On the palate, there
is impressive purity of dark cherry and blueberry fruit flavors with a
savory thread in the background. The interplay of fruit and savory
elements give the wine a special credence. The tannins are suave, the
oak is deftly integrated, the thirst-quenching, lengthy finish is fueled with
vivid, tangy cherry goodness.
Score: 93.
Reviewed September 18, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.60, 125 cases, $45. Dijon 76 and 96 clones. 100%
malolactic fermentation. Barrel fermented 6 months in primarily
older French oak barrels with 35% new and 6 months in bottle.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Elevating
aromas of fresh citrus and apple tart. Delicious array of layered
flavors, including lemon, pear, apple, baking spice, honey and
caramel. Impressive depth of flavor in a clean and invigorating style,
offering a lemon-drop-fueled finish alive with flinty acidity. An exceptional
wine that will impress even diehard white Burgundy devotees.
Score: 94.
Reviewed April 20, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 200 cases, $55. A blend of grapes from three different blocks
including clones 777 and Pommard. One of Willamette Valley’s oldest
vineyards, established in 1971.
·
Light reddish purple color in the glass.
This wine has one of those noses you want to go on sniffing, featuring
cherry, cranberry relish, graham and sous-bois. The cherry flavor bursts
on the palate, caresses the mouth, and persists on the finish. A touch of
red strawberry and spice box adds interest. A cozy wine with modest
tannins, a juicy grip, and a crisp finish filled with bombastic cherry
goodwill.
Score: 93.
Reviewed September 3, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 100 cases, pH 3.42, TA
0.58, $55. Harvest Brix 23.7º. Wädenswil 2A and Dijon 777 clones planted in Jory soil in 2000-2004. Aged 16
months in 10% new French oak.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Beautifully perfumed with scents of
cherry, sous-bois, spice and sandalwood. Elegant, caressing and comfortable in style, with good depth of
cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruit flavors augmented with a riff of savory earthiness. Easy to like, with fine
tannins and a satisfying fullness on the finish. The cherry fruit sticks to the finish like glue. Don’t be dissuaded
by the delicate color of this wine, as it has a pleasing melange of broad flavors. This bottling is reminiscent of
The Eyrie Dundee Hills Pinot Noirs in style and character.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 21, 2014
ARTICLE »
2017 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.65, 250 cases, $45, screw cap. A blend from Block 9 planted in 1995 to Dijon 95 and 76 clones and Block 10 planted in 1995 to Dijon clone 76. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 23% new. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Invigorating aromas of fresh lemon and petrichor. Crisp, clean and rousing like a cold shower on a hot day. Flavors of lemon, white peach and pear carry through to a quenching finish. Impeccable harmony. More austere in this vintage but still classy and highly satisfying. Score: 93. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.68, 320 cases, $45, screw cap. Offered to members of mailing list beginning March 28. Estate grown fruit from block 9 planted in 1995 to clones 95 and 76, and Block 10 planted in 1995 to clone 76. Red volcanic Jory soils. The wine was aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Complimentary aromas of citrus fruits, honey and caramel oak. Gentle and soothing on the palate, with delightful flavors of lemon, pineapple, apple pan dowdy, crème brûlée and subtle blonde caramel. The wine has a generous acid underbelly and the oak is woven in beautifully. Highly refreshing, with a finish that strongly encourages another sip. Score: 96. Reviewed April 1, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.54, 500 cases, $55, screw cap. Fruit was sourced from three vineyard blocks featuring clones 777, 667 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.6º. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Quintessential Dundee Hills Pinot Noir featuring waves of red cherry and red raspberry fruit aromas and flavors, complimented by tones of sandalwood, baking spices and fertile earth. I swear I could taste an “iron minerality” in this wine. Impeccably balanced, with a deft touch of oak, empowering juiciness and a long cherry-fueled finish. Intoxicating in a good way. Score: 94. Reviewed September 14, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Reserve Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.55, 200 cases, $70, screw cap. Fruit sourced from three blocks that revealed themselves to be special and distinct. 100% clone 777. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. A totally different wine from the regular Willamette Valley bottling. Darker fruited in a mid weight style with aromas and flavors of black cherry, pomegranate and black raspberry framed by a touch more oak. Compared to the regular Dundee Hills bottling, there was more extraction, a little more tannic backbone, and a longer, deeply aromatic finish. A luscious texture really enhanced the pleasure. Even better when tasted several hours after opening. Score: 96. Reviewed September 14, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
14.0% alc., pH 3.33, TA 0.71, 320 cases, $45, screwcap. Vineyard still Knudsen family owned since 1971, Salmon Safe and LIVE certified sustainable. This wine debuted February 25, 2017, at 2017 Oregon Chardonnay Celebration. Release April 4, 2017. Harvest Brix 22.6º. Dijon clones 95 and 76 planted in 1995 in Jory soils at an elevation of 655-760 feet. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 27% new. · Very light platinum color in the glass. Demure aromas of apple, citrus, almond biscotti and buttery brioche excite the senses. Serene and sophisticated on the palate, with flavors of apple, pear and coconut. Impeccably balanced, with a sleek mouthfeel and a lip smacking, dry finish. Very classy juice. Score: 93. Reviewed March 6, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
14.0% alc., pH 3.33, TA 0.71, 320 cases, $45, screwcap. Harvest Brix 22.6. Dijon clones 95 and 76 planted in 1995 in Jory soils. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 27% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Slightly riper fruited with more body than the 2014 vintage version. Nicely perfumed with aromas of lemon curd, cut apple, nectarine, and buttery brioche. Highly satisfying on the palate with flavors of citrus, pear, ripe apple, spice and vanilla, and a zing of lemon-lime on the juicy, prolonged finish. Slightly creamy in texture and polished, combining the most desirable traits of Chardonnay. Still stunning when tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 96. Reviewed May 6, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Knudsen Vineyards Estate Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.57, 500 cases, $55, screwcap. Clones 777 and 667 planted in Jory soil. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Light ruby red color in the glass. A very friendly wine with cozy aromas of red cherry, cranberry and sandalwood. Light to mid weight in style, with a charming core of red fruits with cherry as the centerpiece. Additional accents include baking spices and brioche. Elegantly styled and forward drinking with harmonious tannins and a robust finish that seems to build in generosity over time in the glass. This lovely wine reveals the demure, angelic side of Pinot Noir. Score: 93. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Knudsen Vineyards Estate Reserve Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.55, 225 cases, $70, screwcap. Clone 777 planted in Jory soil. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of fresh cherry, spice and rose petal. Upon entry, the wine engages with riveting and luscious black cherry, black raspberry and plum flavors accented with a charming dose of spice. A sophisticated wine that is truly special with impeccable balance, a seamless texture and a grand finish that lingers until the next sip. This collectible wine was even more seductive when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle when my wife and I eagerly polished it off. Score: 96. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.63, 275 cases, $45, screwcap. This vineyard is home to the oldest plantings of Dijon Chardonnay clones in Oregon dating back to 1990. That year, Allen Holstein, the vineyard manager, established over 8 acres of Dijon clones 76 and 96 in Jory soil in the Dundee Hills. This wine is a blend of Dijon clones 76 and 95 planted in 1995. Aged 6 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Inviting aromas of white peach, lemon oil, shaved oak and floral goodness lead to a discreetly concentrated and thoroughly satisfying citrus-driven wine offering considerable complexity. Additional fruit flavors of pear and apple mix amicably with subtle oak driven notes of vanilla and spice. The lemon-infused finish is driven by a bright cut of acidity as the wine literally slides off the back of the palate. One of Oregon’s finest Chardonnays. Score: 94. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.63, 275 cases, $45, screwcap. Vineyard is home to oldest plantings of Dijon clones in Willamette Valley (1990). A blend of clones 76 and 95 planted in Jory soil in 1995. Aged 6 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Last tasted in March 2016. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Lovely aromas of lemon, grapefruit, green apple and white flower. Soft in the mouth, with the full display of citrus fruits as well as notes of apple, spice and honey. Bright and crisp, with a wave of citrus returning at the end. Score: 94. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.63, 275 cases, $45, screwcap. A blend of Dijon 76 and 95 planted in Jory soil in 1995. Aged 6 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Lovely aromas of lemon, white orchard fruits, buttery brioche and cold steel. Clean and refreshing on the palate, with flavors of apple, Asian pear, lemon-lime and a hint of vanilla, with a sleek mouthfeel, impeccable balance, and an uplifting finish. Still charming when tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed May 6, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.52, 560 cases, $55, screwcap. Clones 667, 777 and 115 planted in 1994-2004 in Jory soil at 570 to 810 feet elevation. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A very gracious wine with vibrant aromas of cherry compote, Asian spice and a hint of graham. On the palate, there is impressive purity of dark cherry and blueberry fruit flavors with a savory thread in the background. The interplay of fruit and savory elements give the wine a special credence. The tannins are suave, the oak is deftly integrated, the thirst-quenching, lengthy finish is fueled with vivid, tangy cherry goodness. Score: 93. Reviewed September 18, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.60, 125 cases, $45. Dijon 76 and 96 clones. 100% malolactic fermentation. Barrel fermented 6 months in primarily older French oak barrels with 35% new and 6 months in bottle. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Elevating aromas of fresh citrus and apple tart. Delicious array of layered flavors, including lemon, pear, apple, baking spice, honey and caramel. Impressive depth of flavor in a clean and invigorating style, offering a lemon-drop-fueled finish alive with flinty acidity. An exceptional wine that will impress even diehard white Burgundy devotees. Score: 94. Reviewed April 20, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 200 cases, $55. A blend of grapes from three different blocks including clones 777 and Pommard. One of Willamette Valley’s oldest vineyards, established in 1971. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. This wine has one of those noses you want to go on sniffing, featuring cherry, cranberry relish, graham and sous-bois. The cherry flavor bursts on the palate, caresses the mouth, and persists on the finish. A touch of red strawberry and spice box adds interest. A cozy wine with modest tannins, a juicy grip, and a crisp finish filled with bombastic cherry goodwill. Score: 93. Reviewed September 3, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Knudsen Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 100 cases, pH 3.42, TA 0.58, $55. Harvest Brix 23.7º. Wädenswil 2A and Dijon 777 clones planted in Jory soil in 2000-2004. Aged 16 months in 10% new French oak. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Beautifully perfumed with scents of cherry, sous-bois, spice and sandalwood. Elegant, caressing and comfortable in style, with good depth of cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruit flavors augmented with a riff of savory earthiness. Easy to like, with fine tannins and a satisfying fullness on the finish. The cherry fruit sticks to the finish like glue. Don’t be dissuaded by the delicate color of this wine, as it has a pleasing melange of broad flavors. This bottling is reminiscent of The Eyrie Dundee Hills Pinot Noirs in style and character. Score: 92. Reviewed October 21, 2014 ARTICLE »