2021 Knudsen Vineyards Chardonnay

ABOUT KNUDSEN VINEYARDS

One of the oldest plantings in the Willamette Valley, Knudsen Vineyards was planted by Cal Knudsen in 1971 and is still owned by the Knudsen family. These vineyards sit atop the world famous Dundee Hills AVA at 800ft of elevation and are entirely red clay Jory soils. ROCO is one of a few wineries able to source this amazing fruit due to Rollin’s long-standing relationship with the Knudsen family.

WINEMAKING PROCESS

ROCO Chardonnay is handpicked and then chilled overnight at 38˚ F in a large storage room. The chilled bunches are then pressed and the juice is sent to a tank. After settling in tank, the juice is inoculated and racked to neutral oak where is completes fermentation. After primary fermentation is complete, the young wine goes through malolactic fermentation in order to soften the acidity and to add further complexity. Next, the wines are racked to a mix of new and neutral French oak. There they rest for at least five months before bottling.

WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES

This Chardonnay opens with aromas of honeydew, juicy tangerine, and delicate gardenia blossoms, followed by subtle hints of vanilla. On the palate, the wine displays a vibrant core of fresh quince, Bartlett pear and fresh pineapple, all complemented by characteristic salinity.