Nose
Aromas of Bing cherry, ripe apple and dark chocolate are apparent with an intriguing scent of underbrush buried deeper in the wine.
Palate
Flavors constantly evolve starting with raspberries and moving to dark cocoa. In the background is French oak vanillin and balanced tannins.
Growing Conditions
Knox is a blend of our two “estate” vineyards, Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat. Both vineyards are in the Santa Maria Valley, with Le Bon Climat being located on the southern edge of this appellation. Le Bon Climat was planted in 1998 with low vigor rootstock in some well drained poor soil. This combination of low vigor plants and poor soil limit the crop size and slow ripening. The two blocks selected to be used in Knox are Block 2 and Block 11. Block 2 was planted in 1994 with a wide mix of clones, which are 103, 113, 114, 115, 2A, Mt. Eden along with some Pinot Meunier. Block 2 has a south/west exposure which is good for morning sun though many mornings during the growing season the sun is blocked by our Santa Maria fog. Our other premium block of Pinot Noir at Bien Nacido is Block 11 which is planted with clones 667, 777, 115, 2A, Swan and Jackson in 1997. Block 11 is a steep, hillside block with north/west exposure.
Winemaking
We fined this wine with three egg whites per barrel to remove some of the tougher tannins.
Aging
The 2013 Knox saw 22 months in French oak barrels.
