2015 Knudsen Vineyards Pinot noir

Block 18 | 40%
Rootstock | Riparia
Clone | 777
Planted | 2000
Elevation | 570-670 ft
Exposure | SE
Spacing | 5×3.3 ft

Block 11 | 40%
Rootstock | 3309
Clone | 777
Plated | 2004
Elevation | 705-815 ft
Exposure | NE
Spacing | 5×5 ft

Block 15 | 20%
Rootstock | Riparia
Clone | 667
Plated | 2007
Elevation | 680-770 ft
Exposure | S
Spacing | 5×5 ft

92 points – Vinous (June 2019)
“Glistening red. Mineral- and spice-tinged aromas of fresh red berries and cherries are complemented by blood orange and musky floral accents. Clean and racy on entry, then deeper in the mid-palate, offering lively bitter cherry, raspberry and spicecake flavors with a sweetening touch of candied rose. Subtle, even tannins come up slowly on a shapely, gently tannic finish that lingers with strong, floral-driven persistence.” – Josh Raynolds

91 points – Wine Enthusiast (May 2018)

91 points – James Suckling (December 2017)
“This pinot noir shows floral character with jasmine and lilac. Dried strawberries, cherries and ginseng, too. Medium body, soft tannins and a medium finish.”

GOLD MEDAL
Oregon Wine Awards (May 2018)

SILVER MEDAL
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (January 2018)

Outstanding! – Great Northwest Wine (November 2017)
“Its beautiful garnet color leads to classic Dundee Hills high-toned red fruit aromas and flavors, hinting at Triple Berry Pie with cardamom, cranberry-rhubarb compote and a dusting of white pepper amid a structure that exhibits restraint.”

93 points – PinotFile (September 2017)
“Light ruby red color in the glass. A very friendly wine with cozy aromas of red cherry, cranberry and sandalwood. Light to mid weight in style, with a charming core of red fruits with cherry as the centerpiece. Additional accents include baking spices and brioche. Elegantly styled and forward drinking with harmonious tannins and a robust finish that seems to build in generosity over time in the glass. This lovely wine reveals the demure, angelic side of Pinot Noir.”

92 points – Blue Lifestyle (August 2017)
“Pale ruby color; smooth, savory and fresh with elegant style and velvety texture; silky, balanced and long.”

91 points – WineSpeed (September 2017)
“Beguiling aromas of roses and tea and a delicate earthy flavor. Its richness is beautifully faded…like an exquisite old tapestry. Pinots such as this evoke a certain similarity with Burgundies. If you love classic pinot noir, this is for you.”

Vindulge (August 2018)
“Beautifully fragrant nose with lots of rich cherries, cranberries, and herbs with nice savory note. Opens up very nicely. It’s not a “big” or bold Pinot, but it does have great depth of flavor, elegance, and lots of character. Would love to try this with a roasted lamb, or pork tenderloin, though nothing too overly seasoned or spicy to take away from the delicate nature of the wine. Beautiful!”

8- – Talk-A-Vino (November 2017)
“Cherries, round, good acidity, touch of mushrooms, fresh, Burgundian style. Very nice.”

The Daily Meal (May, 2018)
“Finicky Pinot Noir is known as the “heartbreak grape”but winemakers can’t resist the challenge. Perhaps more than any other red wine grape, Pinot Noir has the uncanny ability to transmit the ineffable qualities of terroir. Knudsen Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015 meticulously balances poise and playfulness. Clearly inspired by Burgundy in its direct communication of fruit and earth, there is also a charming thread of American exuberance in its hints of spice, juicy & ripe red cherries, and supple tannins. ”

Oregon’s Willamette Valley produced a stellar 2015 vintage marked by a nearly ideal growing season. In 2015, budbreak in the Willamette Valley occurred almost a month earlier than normal, with early warm weather conditions tempered by light, scattered showers in late August. A return to normalcy in September provided a break to what was an intense growing season, resulting in concentrated, balanced fruit at harvest.

2019 – Details

2018 – Details

2017 – Details

2016 – Details

2015 (this wine)

2014 – Details

2013 – Details

2012 – Details