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 Vintage2014 Label 1 of 25 
TypeRed
ProducerKnez Winery (web)
VarietyPinot Noir
Designationn/a
VineyardCerise Vineyard
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionNorth Coast
AppellationAnderson Valley

Drinking Windows and Values
Drinking window: Drink between 2018 and 2025 (based on 10 user opinions)
Wine Market Journal quarterly auction price: See Knez Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard on the Wine Market Journal.

Community Tasting History

Community Tasting Notes (average 90.7 pts. and median of 91 pts. in 55 notes) - hiding notes with no text

 Tasted by DanielJ on 12/21/2023 & rated 89 points: Ok. Pleasant but not great. Better 2nd day (246 views)
 Tasted by glou.sf on 11/19/2023: Similar to an earlier bottle. This seemed to have been stored wrong. Stewed fruit on the nose, palate is mostly acidic with little substance. Weird because all the wine can from the same source and two bottles have been completely off. (458 views)
 Tasted by WineAwayWhine on 7/8/2023 & rated 93 points: Knez winery is no longer. It' Cerese vineyards Pinot Noir vines were all purchased by Kosta Browne, and why not? It is a premium vineyard site in Anderson Valley where fog and cool nights, and sloping, difficult to farm vineyards 16 miles from the coast in hard to visit Anderson Valley has a history of producing some great Pinot Noir.

This wine is spectacular with bright red cherries and raspberries, cola, vanilla, earth, wet stone, and forrest floor.

Acid is very high, and tannins are medium. (441 views)
 Tasted by mac-eye on 8/13/2022 & rated 92 points: Very good. Still dark color, developing more complexity & pleasure with age. Not near end of drinking window. Prominent notes of sour cherries. Well balanced. Now I wish I had more. (970 views)
 Tasted by prasm on 5/7/2022 & rated 90 points: Consumed over 3 days (vacuvined and refrigerated), note from day 3. Two glasses consumed over 3 hours on day one found wine off, lacking fruit and astringent. Having had a similar experience with my previous bottle in late 2019, I decided to wait to write note - so from day 3. Appearance: Clear, medium ruby with just the slightest hint of edge bricking. Nose: Clean, medium intensity with fully developed aromas of dried cherry, rose petal, forest floor, cinnamon, and black olive. Palate: Dry, medium tannin, medium+ acid, medium body, 13.3% abv, medium intensity with developed flavors of dried cherry, dark earth, and spice with a medium+ finish. Overall a very good wine with great balance, very good length and complexity, and good intensity. Kind of an odd wine in that, while I believe it is at it's peak, still needs a fair amount of air to show it's goods. Drink now or over the next 2 years. (1101 views)
 Tasted by Kurswa on 3/18/2022 & rated 87 points: Soft, pleasant and Good aftertaste (992 views)
 Tasted by mac-eye on 1/26/2022 & rated 92 points: Very nice after decant and half an hour of air (789 views)
 Tasted by Kansas Rock Chalk on 9/6/2021 & rated 83 points: From California friends (1331 views)
 Tasted by Kansas Rock Chalk on 9/6/2021 & rated 83 points: From Butterfield’s (1610 views)
 Tasted by Jack on 8/2/2021 & rated 93 points: Think cranberries and mint with just enough sweetness and acid to make things really interesting. Best on 2nd day. (1538 views)
 Tasted by glou.sf on 5/19/2021 & rated 93 points: The last bottle must’ve been off because this wine was lovely. Dark fruited Pinot nose, quite consistent with my note from 2 years ago. Nice acidity with tart red berries, dark cherries, and good structure on the palate. Great finish. (1732 views)
 Tasted by Jack on 8/28/2020: Off (1129 views)
 Tasted by beerenauslese on 8/26/2020 & rated 91 points: Tart dark red cherry fruit with some spice, but lacks complexity. Purchased in a K&L closeout providing good QPR. (1664 views)
 Tasted by BHRH on 5/8/2020 & rated 92 points: One of the best Pinots I've had this year! Nice purple edge, fiarly dark fruit and nice earth on the nose. Really intense, spicy dark cherry on the palate with slightly sweet fruit and a bit of floral essence. Long, rich finish with enough acid to stand up to food, but not overdone. Almost a theoretical cross between a really good Cristom (Oregon) and a Premier Cru Burgundy from a fairly ripe vintage. Seems to be at peak now, but will likely hold a couple more years, Yum! (1530 views)
 Tasted by StraightnoChaser on 2/14/2020 & rated 91 points: Consistent with my notes of October of 2017.
I have one left from a winery that sadly, no longer exists.
Dry, tart cherry. Slightly sour finish.
I bought these for $30 each.
Last I checked the new owners of this vineyard, Kosta Browne, are charging over $120 per bottle. (1728 views)
 Tasted by mac-eye on 1/17/2020 & rated 91 points: Opened this alongside the 2014 Knez Anderson Valley (general) bottling. Side by side, there are notable differences. While the Anderson Valley has a pronounced top and front of mouth acidity, the Cerise has more of a back of mouth depth, with somewhat darker fruit and more pronounced tannins - more likable IMO.

This is still a rather tart and cranberry-focused pinot, yet it has enough tannin and fruit to carry it through an evening with and without food, and the fruit component is deeper, darker and more interesting. It grows on you. The AG review on release is basically on track, although I take issue with the 95. (1670 views)
 Tasted by prasm on 12/12/2019 & rated 92 points: Consumed over 2 days (vacuvined), note from day 2. Nose: Medium expressiveness, rose bush, black cherry, black olives, and dark earth. Palate: Medium bodied, earthy dark cherry attack, great balance, up front flavors persist nicely thru the mid-palate where an Asian spice note appears, balanced flavors persist into the back-end where forest floor notes appear. Finish: Medium-plus length dominated by dark red fruit, spice, and dark earth. This is not your typical California pinot as it shows great depth and restraint - very Burgundian in style. (1828 views)
 Tasted by acidqueen on 11/9/2019 & rated 84 points: Had this again about 4 months ago (summer 2019), and still way too tart to drink. Really not pleasant. Not sure what to think. We dumped the bottle. (1683 views)
 Tasted by Mascarello59 on 10/25/2019: Dark color and light and elegant nose. Bright almost sharp acidity. Whole clusters? Seemed unbalanced in the mouth. (1471 views)
 Tasted by glou.sf on 8/6/2019: Completely different from the last bottle. This is just acidic with little fruit and no Pinot character. I suspect a bad bottle because we really enjoyed it last time... (1702 views)
 Tasted by walkerjfw on 7/16/2019 & rated 92 points: Drank over 2 nights.

Prior notes:" Darker ruby color. Expressive and perfumed nose, mostly floral notes with red fruits in the background. Palate was dark cherry, red berries, mint, baking spice, licorice and cola. Medium weight, layered and long finish..." Not as bright as prior bottles. Noting bad or off with the bottle, I recall a more high toned fruit profile with this wine on prior bottles. Still drinking well. (1819 views)
 Tasted by CelebrateLife! on 6/30/2019 & rated 85 points: Hot on the nose. Cherries and raspberries underneath but disjointed now. Not as good as I remember. Bad bottle or has this wine fallen apart now? Will try another bottle soon (1795 views)
 Tasted by glou.sf on 4/9/2019 & rated 94 points: Dark berries, cherries, licorice, mocha, and orange notes on the nice and complex nose. Good acidity with soft, yet noticeable tannins. Flavors of tart rapsberfies, blood orange, and dark cherries on the palate. Long finish. This is beautiful and incredible value. Too bad, it’s no more... (1755 views)
 Tasted by rossi.wine on 3/18/2019 & rated 93 points: Very pale in colour. Soft red fruit on the nose, quite youthful, spices, earthy notes. On the palate very precise and nicely structured. Very pure fruit, good acidity, mineral and spicy. Very good length. 92-93+ (1787 views)
 Tasted by walkerjfw on 10/21/2018: First bottle from this purchase...they are getting out of the business so bought some from K&L at a very nice price. Last tasting at IPOB in SF 2 years ago...

From prior notes:"Darker ruby color. Expressive and perfumed nose, mostly floral notes with red fruits in the background. Palate was dark cherry, red berries, mint, baking spice, licorice and cola. Medium weight, layered and long finish..."

This tasting consistent - picking up tart red fruits. The "Cerise" vineyard showing signature cherry profile. Style is fruit forward, expressive, medium weight and finish. Really nice...given the style, I an guessing this is going to be best in its youth. Would drink over the next few years (2200 views)
 Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine...

Professional 'Channels'
By Antonio Galloni
Vinous, 2014 Sonoma and Points North: New Releases (Feb 2016) (2/1/2016)
(Knez Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard North Coast) Subscribe to see review text.
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Vinous. (manage subscription channels)

CellarTracker Wiki Articles (login to edit | view all articles)

Knez Winery

Producer website

2014 Knez Winery Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard

"50% whole cluster fermentation. Native fermentations in 1-ton fermenters with extended maceration of 3 wks. Siphoned by gravity to 100% French, medium toast barrels (33% new, 67% neutral) where it aged for 1 yr. Racked 1x, prior to bottling. 13.3% ABV; Bottled unfined & unfiltered; 900 cs produced."

95 pts Vinous (Galloni, 2/1/16)

Pinot Noir

Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.


Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.

Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.

The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.

Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.

In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.

With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.

Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.

USA

American wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.

California

2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson

North Coast

The North Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA) in California, covering more than three million acres, includes Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties, and portions of Marin and Solano counties. (see The Wine Institute for more information)

Anderson Valley

http://www.avwines.com/anderson-valley-appellation-map/
Anderson Valley stretches from Yorkville Highlands (located in a highland meadow straddling the upper Rancheria Creek and upper Dry Creek watersheds) through Boonville (located on Anderson Creek) and Philo (located on Indian Creek) to Navarro (located on Soda Creek). Rancheria, Anderson, Indian and Soda creeks are tributaries to the Navarro River, which flows north and west through the coastal range to the Pacific Ocean; Dry Creek flows south into the Russian River watershed in Sonoma County. The main stem of the Navarro River begins less than a mile south of Philo at the confluence of Anderson Creek and Rancheria Creek. The mouth of the Navarro is 10 miles (16 km) south of Mendocino, California. Encompassing 315 square miles (816 km²), the Navarro River watershed is the largest coastal basin in Mendocino County.

Such unique geography results in a wide diurnal range, with daily high and low temperatures occasionally diverging 40 or 50 degrees. This enables Pinot Noir growers to keep acid development in line with sugar and flavor formation through long, warm Indian summers. It also makes for superb Gewurztraminer and Riesling, giving rise to the valley’s annual Alsatian Varietals and Pinot Noir festivals.

The climate in the Anderson Valley appellation is tempered by cool marine air. Steep hills and mountains surround rolling to nearly level alluvial terraces. The dominant natural vegetation is a mixed forest of Coast Redwood, various native oak varieties, and Douglas-fir. Elevation ranges from sea level to 2,500 feet (760 m). The average annual precipitation ranges from 35 to 80 inches (900 to 2000 mm). The average annual temperature is about 53 °F (12 °C), and the average frost-free season ranges from 220 to 365 days. Towards the coast the summers are cool and moist with frequent fog, while the interior Anderson Valley proper features a warm to hot summer climate similar to nearby interior regions, with daytime highs occasionally in excess of 100 °F (38 °C).

Visitors to the Valley should come prepared for cool evenings and warm days. Locals dress in layers year round.

 
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