Winemaker Notes
The 2018 Cuvée Indigène leads with an intense and expressive nose of brioche, mineral, candied orange, mangosteen, peach blossom, lemon oil, yellow peach and dried apricot. Notes of toasted hazelnut, vanilla, meringue and subtle white truffle interact to complete a multi-layered and very intense bouquet. In the mouth, the texture is rich and creamy, displaying ample ‘gras’ balanced with a lingering mineral finish and bright acidity. Approachable now, the wine will reward several years of cellaring and continue to develop for two decades, much like its Burgundian cousins from Corton-Charlemagne.
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.