Today’s exquisite offering is the Knez 2011 Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir, the best Pinot that we’ve tried from this fantastic Alexander Valley vineyard.

This wine hails from the legendary Cerise Vineyard, where Knez shares the vineyards prized grapes with the likes of Saintsbury andLittorai - to name just a couple. Today’s wine is the best Pinot that we’ve tried from this fantastic Alexander Valley vineyard.

On the nose; classic high-end Anderson Valley Pinot aromas of cherry, pomegranate, wild strawberry, red currant, wild mushroom, wet forest floor, spice, minerals and subtle cedar.

On the palate; bright and juicy red fruit, balanced against earthen flavors, with red currant, pomegranate, Bing cherry juice, raspberry, cedar, slate mineral and subtle spice.

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What the Wine Press has to say:

“The best balanced of the three 2011 Pinots from Knez, the 2011 Pinot Noir Cerise bristles with energy and tension. Blood orange, crushed rocks, minerals, plums and roses flesh out in a layered, vibrant Pinot bursting with focus.

The 2011 turns a bit savory in the glass, but those notes just add complexity and distinctiveness. The 2011 was done with 50% stems. It is a gorgeous wine from start to finish.

I continue to be impressed with Knez, a small winery and vineyard in Booneville owned by Peter Knez. The focus is strictly on Anderson Valley sites at Knez, including Cerise and Demuth, both top-notch, as well as the estate vineyard, which is just entering production. Native yeasts, minimal racking and low amounts of new oak inform a hands-off style of winery. “ - 93 points - Vinous, 2/2014

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“Deep red. Dark berries and cherry pit on the nose and palate. Shows a chewy quality and a firm edge on entry, but fleshes out with air, picking up a candied lavender nuance. Finishes sweet and long, with youthful tannins and impressive length.” - 92 points - Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, 6/2013.