There remain many layers to the legacy of Cal Knudsen, who passed away in 2009. He co-founded what is now Erath Winery, and Dundee Hills grapes from his Knudsen Vineyards helped launch Argyle Winery. Last fall, Knudsen’s children released the first four barrels of Pinot Noir from a new boutique project that honors their father. Nate Klostermann of Argyle made this inaugural vintage, which marked the 25th anniversary of Argyle being a customer of Knudsen Vineyards. It was a 55/45 split of clone 777 and clone 2A, with only 10 percent of the blend spending the 16 months in new French oak, so there’s very little barrel influence to the nose of red currant, cherry, plum and blueberry with a sprinkle of white pepper. The drink is clean and elegant with black currant and dried blueberry flavors. And the strong connection with Klostermann and Argyle helps explains the choice of a twist-off closure. Look for the Knudsen Vineyards 2013 Chardonnay this spring. The initial public offering of this wine came the Knudsen Vineyards mailing list, but even that window was narrow. List members lost their spot in the allocation if they waited more than 17 days to order.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 100 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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