KNIGHTSDALE 2005 PINOT NOIR
MENDOCINO COUNTY

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Knightsdale embodies the grace and elegance of that most noble of grape, Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is the grape of the famed Burgundy region in France. Like that region, Pinot Noir excels in the cool valleys of Mendocino County, developing deep, dark berry and sweet spice accents to the aroma and flavors. Knightsdale Pinot Noir comes from our estate H&W Vineyard in the Redwood Valley region in Mendocino County, a few miles north of our winery in Hopland.

"Using winemaking traditions that date back to 1869 along with the latest technology, I make Knightsdale’s Pinot Noirs from growing regions renowned for their expression of the grape.”

Justin Weibel, Winemaker

HARVEST 2005 was an even and steady vintage year. Bud break was early, and a moderate spring kept the plants growing with a moderate crop load set. Summer temperatures were typically warm but without extreme heat. A normal harvest retained the grapes' natural acidity, with moderate temperatures and no significant rain completing an excellent vintage. Mendocino County has warm days like Napa Valley and Sonoma County, but cooler nights, which accentuates the delicate flavor nuances in the grapes, as well as promoting a refreshing crispness. Our H&W Estate Vineyard showcases that classic Mendocino County character superbly.

TASTING NOTES The 2005 Mendocino County Pinot Noir is fragrant and rich with impressions of dark cherries, plums, wild strawberries, blackberries, dark chocolate, and green tea. Six to eight months of aging in a mix of French and American oak barrels enhanced the velvety texture. Enjoy it with royal dishes such as rack of lamb, venison roast, or grilled salmon on cedar.

TECHNICAL DATA Alc. by Vol.: 13.9% Residual Sugar: 0.37 g/100 ml pH: 3.58 Total acidity: 0.66 g/100 ml

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Gold - 2008 Sonoma-Marin Fair Wine Competition
Silver - 2009 Florida State Fair International Wine Competition
Silver - 2008 Lodi International Wine Competition Tolerant Award
Silver - 2008 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
Silver & Best Buy - 2008 World Wine Championships Highly Recommended
Bronze - 2009 National Women's Wine Competition
Bronze - 2008 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition
Bronze - 2008 Lodi International Wine Competition Hyper Award
Bronze - 2008 Lodi International Wine Competition Sensitive Award
Bronze - 2008 California State Fair Wine Competition
Bronze - 2008 Riverside International Wine Competition
Bronze - 2008 American Wine Society Commission Wine Competition