Today we share the wines of Oregon wine pioneers Cal and Julia Lee Knudsen who began their wine journey in 1971. Located centrally in the Dundee Hills AVA, the Knudsen family has grown grapes at this location for 45 years. For years I have loved the Argyle wines sourced from this great vineyard as these grapes have helped produce some of the top sparkling wines made in North America. After the passing of Cal Knudsen in 2009, his children, each of whom had followed individual pursuits in business and finance, were compelled to return to the vineyard and then start Knudsen Vineyards winery in 2014 with the help of Argyle winemaker Nate Klostermann, and with the assistance of Rollin Soles.
The new wines are world-class. Check out the amazing 2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which offers fabulous QPR. Learn more about these fantastic wines at http://knudsenvineyards.com Here are the fantastic new Pinot Noir release by Knudsen Vineyards.
2023 Knudsen ‘Dundee Hills’ Chardonnay- A really nice cooler vintage bottling, the 2023 ‘Dundee Hills’ opens with bright pear and baked apple with wet gravel on the nose. The palate is viscous and soft with a lovely mouthfeel and bright acidity. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-22032- 92
2023 Knudsen ‘Founder’s Series Julia Lee Knudsen’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2023 Knudsen ‘Founder’s Series Julia Lee Knudsen’ Chardonnay stands golden in the glass, delivering ripe brioche and mango tones on the nose alongside hints of marzipan. The palate Is intense ad heady with a terrific viscosity despite the coolness of the vintage. The combination of weight, length and bright freshness with salty/stony terroir here is outstanding. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir stands translucent in the glass. Bright Bing cherry and cloves hit the nose alongside gorgeous red florals. The palate is silky and smooth with medium-bodied red fruits alongside salty and rocky soils. Drink 2026-2033- 92
2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Backstory’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Backstory’ was sourced from Pommard Clone Pinot Noir coming from Block 6 in the Knudsen Vineyard. This location was planted back in 2007. This comes off wonderfullly earthy with a refined mouthfeel. Fresh sage and wild mushroom notes collide with rocky soils on the plate. Bright, with plenty of freshness and mid-palate depth, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 94
2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Snapshot’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Snapshot’ was sourced from the Knudsen Vineyard blocks 12 and 13. It shows off aromatics of baking spice laced pie crust, and cherry compote alongside shades of red licorice and orange peel. The palate is laden with minerality, showing Mandarin orange zest, coriander and loads of salty minerals. This is a joy to consume in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2041- 94
2023 Knudsen Vineyards ‘Founders Series Carl Knudsen’ Pinot Noir- The brilliant ‘Founders Series Carl Knudsen’ is named after patriarch of the Knudsen Vineyard. This is a barrel selection wine that like the ’22 edition is plush, round and generous wine that is delicious to consume now. Layers of rich red fruits parade with forest floor, peat moss, Shiitake mushroom and shades of black licorice on the palate. Showing marvelous weight, and length, with light rocky soil character, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 95