Knox Alexander 2020

Located in California, Au Bon Climat winery produces the Knox Alexander cuvée from selected Pinot Noir plots planted mainly in the Santa Maria Valley, in the heart of the Central Coast. The vines benefit from a cool and airy climate, influenced by the proximity of the Pacific Ocean and regular morning mists. The soils combine sand, silt, and limestone elements, offering efficient drainage and moderate stress to the vines. This combination of maritime freshness and well-exposed terroirs promotes slow maturation and precise aromatic expression.

Made from selected Pinot Noir plots, this wine is crafted from hand-picked grapes, carefully sorted to retain only the healthiest berries. Fermentation takes place in tanks, with gentle extraction aimed at preserving the aromatic elegance and structural finesse. Aging then occurs in oak barrels, a significant proportion of which are new wood, to add complexity, silky texture, and aging potential, while respecting the delicate and nuanced character of the grape variety and the original terroirs.

This wine reveals notes of ripe red fruits, black cherry, and plum, complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet, spicy nuances of soft pepper and clove, as well as delicate woody accents of vanilla and cedar. On the palate, the texture is full and silky, supported by fresh acidity, fine but present tannins, and a persistent finish, balanced between the richness of the fruit, spices, and the finesse of the oak.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.