Dundee Hills

2020 Knudsen Vineyard Brut

Some of the few remaining vines in the Dundee Hills from that early pioneering era, this own-rooted Pommard at high elevation expresses incredible density, complexity, and elegance.  Fermenting and aging in neutral wood barrel helps build layers of creamy complexity, showing grapefruit, orange peel, and white pepper while gliding into a long, silky finish.

94 Points

True to the house style, this is bone dry, and in true house style, it serves the fruit beautifully. Toasty character takes the lead aromatically, with soft lemon and apple notes underneath. On the palate the fruit moves forward, remaining crisp and dry to the end where the flavors linger long. It is cleansing without being scouring, and it will age well. What fine sparkling wine should be! It is made entirely from Pinot Noir.” (2019 vintage)

Rich Cook, May 2024

Vintage Notes

Arguably the most memorable winegrowing season in modern Willamette Valley history, the 2020 vintage was filled with various milestones. Ample sunshine and welcomed bud break in April with bloom shortly following in early June. Warm days a little rain during the summer meant canopies remained strong and vines produced a small but high quality crop. Harvest began in late August with fruit designated for sparkling wine shortly followed by still Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Harvest shifted on September 7th with the influence of smoke from nearby fires. Because of prior vineyard management practices and a favorable ripening period, the grapes were harvested as fast as they could be in order to reduce the impact of smoke on the flavor of wines.

Wine Facts

Harvested: 6-Sep-20

Brix at Harvest: 18.8

Alcohol Percentage: 12.5

Composition: 100% Pinot Noir

Production: 425 cases

Appellation: Dundee Hills

Varietal: Sparkling

Region: Oregon

Type: Sparkling

Vintage: 2020

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