Knudsen Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, $45

The Knudsen family continues to methodically grow production of their estate program for Chardonnay, and winemaker Nate Klostermann appears to give these wines the same level of attention as he does for Argyle. He pulls from 20-year-old Knudsen plantings of Dijon clones 76 and 95, then devotes 12 months of barrel aging in 20% new French oak. That sets up aromas of dusty orchard fruit with a touch of butter, cinnamon and fresh linen. Once inside, there’s a delicious offering of Asian pear and Golden Delicious apple leading into a rich mouth feel on the midpalate. Next comes luscious grapefruit to provide food-friendly acidity, balance and length. Pairing ideas include salty and soft cheese, halibut, rosemary-influenced chicken, scallops with herbed cream sauce and sautéed chanterelles. It’s a classic example of Oregon Chardonnay and serves as validation for Knudsen Vineyards’ recognition as the 2016 Oregon Winery to Watch by Wine Press Northwest magazine.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 275 cases

Alcohol: 13.5%

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One Comment

1. Knudsen Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, $55 - Great Northwest Wine says:

   September 28, 2016 at 6:58 pm

   […] their award-winning collaboration with Argyle winemaker Nate Klostermann. (Earlier this year, the Knudsen 2014 Chardonnay earned our top rating.) This latest example of Pinot Noir off the iconic 228-acre Dundee Hills […]

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