Willamette Valley | Dundee Hills
2019 Knudsen Vineyards Family Series
Dundee Hills Pinot noir
Knudsen Vineyards is a thoughtfully assembled collection of vine blocks planted at different elevations, with different spacing, row orientation, and clonal types. This wine is composed by blending equal parts of wines produced from seven distinct blocks of Knudsen Vineyard, each contributing elements which combine to assemble this complex and balanced wine.
A regal Pinot with stunning elegance! Aromas of orange peel and cherry cola are perfectly balanced with red berry and baking spice flavors that grip the palate with delicate acidity and medium tannins. An Oregon classic!
Decant this wine at least 1 hour prior to drinking – this wine will easily age for 10 years in a properly controlled cellar.
FAMILY SERIES
ACCOLADES
93, “Year’s Best”, Wine & Spirits
92, “Outstanding”, Great NW Wine
DOUBLE GOLD, Savor NW
Estate Grown
LIVE Certified
Salmon Safe
Appellation Oregon | Willamette Valley | Dundee Hills
Soil Red Jory Clay
Alcohol 13.8%
Oak French, 20% new
Cases 575
Harvest Brix 23.2
pH 3.58
TA 5.58
Bottled 05/2021
Released 10/2021
Winemaker Nate Klostermann
DOUBLE GOLD – Savor NW Wine Awards
92, “Outstanding” – Great NW Wine
“The Knudsen family and their winemaker, Nate Klostermann of Argyle fame, take equal parts from seven blocks across their historic planting for this bright and juicy blend under their Family Series tier. Two of the blocks feature Pommard clonal fruit, two more bring in Dijon 667, and the others are 115, 777 and “suitcase” clone 828. It exudes finesse from opening whiff of rose petal and showcases classic high-toned red fruit characteristics of the Dundee Hills — raspberry and cherry pie filling with baking spice followed by a nibble of red currant and Craisin. Last year marked the 50th anniversary of Knudsen Vineyards, and the descendants of the late Cal Knudsen remain committed to certified sustainable farming.”
The 2019 growing season was slightly cooler and modestly wetter than the warm and dry seasons the previous five years, although phenological timing – budbreak, bloom, veraison and harvest – and growing degree days were almost identical to the warmer 2018. Notably, September and October each had ~2.6 inches of rain, and the latter half of September into October was considerably cooler than prior years. Thankfully the precipitation was spread out in September, and the majority of the rain in October occurred after harvest, so hand-wringing was replaced with relief and joy regarding the high quality of the vintage.