Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and tiny amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec from the Morley estate vineyard, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier may be the finest wine I have ever tasted from Knight’s Valley. Aromas of white chocolate, spring flowers, licorice, charcoal and black currants make for a provocative as well as intense aromatic display. With a voluptuous texture, tremendous opulence, sensational purity and depth, this 2008 is slightly more evolved than the two Oakville offerings. Brilliant winemaking and meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard and winery have resulted in a prodigious effort.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
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.