Willamette Valley | Dundee Hills

2021 Knudsen Vineyards Family Series Chardonnay


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A refreshing shade of pale yellow, this wine is reminiscent of a Spring day with aromas of cut grass, fresh linen and lemon zest. Flavors of subtle citrus marry crisp green apple and juicy fruit for a perfect palate match; gently enhanced with floral dandelion, straw and shortbread notes. Aged in 20% new oak barrels, this delicate yet complex Chardonnay has a lasting finish with just the right hint of oak.

ACCOLADES

Double Gold – SF Chronicle
92 – Vinous

FAMILY SERIES

Estate Grown

LIVE Certified

Salmon Safe

TECH SHEET
Appellation: Dundee Hills
Soil: Jory – red volcanic: drains well during winter; holds water during summer heat.
Oak:French, 20% new, 11 months
Bottled: 09/2022
Released: 05/2023
Cases: 285

Alcohol: 13%
pH: 2.35
TA: 6.3 g/L
Harvest Brix: 21.1
Winemaker: Nate Klostermann

92, Vinous 
“Sweet florals and spices give way to Anjou pear and yellow apples as the 2021 Chardonnay Family Series evoles in the glass. This is a total pleasure on the palate, juicy yet refined, with ripe orchard fruits and a complex core of citrus and minerals. It finishes long, lightly structured and potent – full oftension yet completely fresh. Yum.”

Double Gold – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

91 – Wine Enthusiast
“Acidity lovers, revel in this wine. A white peach aroma is intertwined with a tangy note that hits like a fresh basil-laced salad drizzled with a lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. The wine’s blazing acidity and crisp texture showcase lemon sorbet and spicy ginger flavors. Very refreshing stuff.”

map of knudsen vineyards illustrating the various vineyard blocks by grape variety40% Block 26
Planted in 1995
Clone 76

15% Block 27
Planted in 1995
Clone 95

15% Block 28
Planted in 1993
Clone 96

15% Block 29
Planted in 1993
Clone 76

15% Block 30/32
Planted in 1995
Clone mix

The 2021 growing season was remarkable in several respects including the very high quality of fruit produced. Coolness and some precipitation in early June during flowering resulted in below average fruit set and, ultimately, lower yields. Then, at the end of June, Oregon experienced a heat dome for several days with record-breaking high temperatures. The balance of the summer was warm and dry until early September, when a cooling allowed for a relatively long and nearly ideal harvest season. At Knudsen Vineyards, we started harvesting grapes in late August and concluded harvest in late September. The cool weather in September gave us time to pick our Pinot noir and Chardonnay grapes for still wine at nearly perfect physiological ripeness. The modestly lower yields and great weather conditions during harvest has enabled wines with excellent acidity, depth of color, big aromatics and great flavors. We are really excited about the quality, drinkability and age worthiness of the wines from the 2021 growing season.