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Knudsen Vineyards 2015 Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, $45

By on May 28, 2017

This storied second-generation brand with some of Oregon’s most famous vines to pull from continues to responsibly grow its production — 23 percent from the 2014 vintage — holding back more prized fruit from the Knudsen family’s longtime customers. Berries from the Willamette Valley’s first planting of Dijon-clone 76 and 96 Chardonnay, the transformation began in 1995, end up in the hands of Dundee winemaker Nate Klostermann. He chose a 10-month program of 27% new French oak, and his skillful use of barrel allows for balance from start to finish. Buttery and almond oil notes join ripe fruit that hints at Bosc pear, Red Delicious apple and honeydew melon. It’s all framed by a pleasing burst of orange oil.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 320 cases

Alcohol: 14%

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Articles credited to Great Northwest Wine are authored by Eric Degerman and other contributors. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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