Willamette Valley | Dundee Hills
2022 Knudsen Vineyards Backstory Pinot Noir
Our past, always present.
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Situated high on our Dundee Hills estate, rising to nearly 900 feet at their top-most elevations. Nestled side by side, they share a common border and something quite uncommon—50 years of family ownership and a history of progressive Oregon viticulture. This Talking Blocks release pays tribute to the Knudsen Vineyards backstory with this silky, elegant Pinot Noir born of Pommard and 777 French Dijon Clones.
TALKING BLOCKS SERIES
Only available from Knudsen Vineyards
Estate Grown
LIVE Certified
Salmon Safe
Beginning with a radiant ruby hue, the Backstory invites anticipation with enticing aromas of delicate florals reminiscent of wild roses in full bloom, intertwined with whispers of violets and lavender. Flavors unfold on the palate; freshly picked cherries and succulent raspberries with emerging black pepper and subtle spice. This wine’s silky texture glides effortlessly across the tongue finishing with a harmonious blend of fruit and spice.
Appellation Willamette Valley | Dundee Hills
Alcohol 13.8%
Soil Jory
Brix 23.2°
Oak French, 28% new, 16 mos.
pH 3.65
Ta 5.6 g/L
Cases 190
Winemaker Nate Klostermann
Bottled 02/2024
Released 05/2024
93 Points, Decanter
“This is a block selection, featuring blocks 6 & 7 from the top of the Knudsen site in the Dundee Hills, at 300m, an equal blend of Pommard and 777 clones. The nose flashes red florals but is predominated by the savoury character of dried herbs, hints of tea tree oil and a note of crushed stone. The palate is spicy and red fruited, as a melange of pepper, zesty blood orange and spearmint leap forth. The finish is long and is brightened by a saline note and whisper of dried lavender.”
Knudsen Vineyard Block 7
Knudsen Vineyard Block 6
Block 6 | 50%
Rootstock | 101
Clone | 777
Planted | Fall 2007
Elevation | 810-850 ft
Exposure | SE
Spacing | 5×5 ft
Block 7 | 50%
Rootstock | Riparia
Clone | Pommard
Plated | Fall 2007
Elevation | 815-870 ft
Exposure | SE
Spacing | 5×5 ft
Every growing season is unique and different and that certainly describes 2022. It was a roller coaster year – a frost event in mid-April, a cool and wet May followed by a warm July and August extending, uncharacteristically, into late October. The net result? A beautiful crop with strong yields, excellent quality, ripe flavors and bright acidity. Mother nature gave us concern early and then made up for it with great fall weather enabling one of the latest harvests in many years.