Winemaker Notes
The 2020 KB Estate Chardonnay combines characteristics of three Chardonnay blocks on their estate vineyard. This wine effortlessly expresses the detail of fruit, minerality and texture that comes from different orientations and soil types - alluvial loam, hillside volcanics and white rhyolite. The distinctive terroirs bring together aromas of white Mirabelle plum, honey and citrus enveloped in a creamy texture that reminds one of crème patisserie layered puff pastry. The resonant mineral finish provides the backbone needed to pair this with a range of cuisines from around the globe.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Silky, rich, and complex, with toasty oak, bright acidity, and good length; deep and balanced.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
A small and picturesque valley separating Napa Valley on its south border and Alexander Valley to its north, Knights Valley excels in similar varieties as the two aforementioned appellations, namely red Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as Sauvignon blanc. Originally established by Beringer Vineyards, today several outstanding producers claim acreage here. The circadian cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean create a nighttime respite for vineyards during the hot growing season.