Over 50 years ago, the Maldonado Family arrived in Napa and with five decades of grape growing experience, they have expanded to release tiny amounts of highly sought after wines, both from their own estate in Jameson Canyon, as well as from a few select other vineyards they manage in the cooler micro-climates of Sonoma and Napa Valley.

The Knights Valley AVA abuts the Alexander Valley AVA to the west, Chalk Hill to the south, and cozies up to Calistoga, in Napa Valley, on the east. The only practical access to the valley is via twisty sections of Highway 128 through mountainous terrain. Suddenly the road straightens out in a high valley, where it’s bordered by stately oaks draped with Spanish moss. Vineyards take the lion’s share of the flat land, but cattle operations and a gourmet truck farm are also important. Sonoma County’s highest mountain, ancient volcanic Mount Saint Helena, towers over Knights Valley.

Complex aromas offering maple, clove spiced pear, candied lemon peel, and toasty oak. Rich and vibrant flavors entice the pallet. A creamy entrance of spiced pear, flakey pie crust, and marzipan encompass a core of citrus and green apple; all neatly tied together by a subtle minerality of wet stone. A bright and lengthy finish with lingering spicy ripeness.

Color: The color of fall wheat

On the nose: Complex aromas offering maple, clove spiced pear, candied lemon peel, and toasty oak.

On the palate: Rich and vibrant flavors entice the pallet. A creamy entrance of spiced pear, flakey pie crust, and marzipan encompass a core of marmalade and green apple; all neatly tied together by a subtle minerality of wet stone. A bright and lengthy finish with lingering spicy ripeness. . Vineyard notes: Grapes sourced from Parr vineyard in Knights Valley, Sonoma county. the vineyard is a very cool and foggy site that ripens grapes slowly with racy acidity. The soil is comprised of sand and loam; perfect for Chardonnay.

Winemaking: Unfined, 100% barrel fermented in French oak using native yeasts. Aged sur lees for 18 months.