Winemaker Notes
The complexity of the 2021 West Block is matched by a varietal clarity that is a signature of our Knights Bridge Estate, offering an intricate medley of citrus, honey, exotic ginger and shortbread aromas. The middle palate gains intensity beginning with Meyer lemon and orange blossom flavors, building to mouthwatering salted caramel crème brûlée and followed by luscious honeycomb toward the finish.
The sun-drenched West Block is a textbook example of full-bodied Knights Valley Chardonnay. Defined by great concentration and opulence, the 2021 vintage pairs well with lobster ravioli, gnocchi with sage butter sauce and pancetta wrapped veal tenderloin in marsala sauce.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
It's the kind of Chardonnay that pairs well with a blackened steak. Bold and brawny, this heavily oaked and toasted wine boasts wood char and brown-butter aromas, grilled pear and toasted almond flavors and a full body.
-
Decanter
There are many aspects of this wine that are to like here, including layering of herbal qualities on the nose and buttered popcorn, but not overwhelmingly so. On the palate, there’s a burnt caramel quality that gives way to more diacetyl compounds that can, at times, be a bit intrusive, but they eventually relax.
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.