WINE: Knight's Bridge Pont de Chevalier Chardonnay 2020
VARIETALS: 100% Chardonnay
Viticulture Area: Knights Valley California

Our Story: In 2006, several close-knit family members discovered 50 acres of hillside vineyards in Knights Valley, the perfect spot to produce exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Knights Bridge vineyard is nestled on the pristine west side of Knights Valley, the warmest appellation in Sonoma County. It was here that the family decided to create Knights Bridge Winery with the singular goal of producing world-class wines. Joining on their quest is a group of talented professionals, all striving together in the pursuit of excellence from sustainable farming methods and small lot wine production to unique tasting experiences. Knights Bridge Winery is guided by a deep respect for nature, a passion for fine wines, and a dedication to family and friends.

Knights Valley
Situated at the foot of Mount St. Helena, just north of Calistoga, beautiful Knights Valley holds a special fascination. Located in a narrow valley bordering the Mayacamas mountain range that divides Sonoma
and Napa Counties, this easternmost Sonoma County appellation, known for its warm days and cool nights, is the warmest viticultural region in the county. The valley's beauty and mineral-rich volcanic rhyolitic (volcanic) soils help produce world class Chardonnay and Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc; wines that consistently earn acclaim from critics and wine lovers alike. This special place continues to enshrine the rough beauty and ambition of the West, but contains within it a classic
finesse and style that makes this one of the most unique wine-growing regions in the world.

Derek was promoted to Winemaker in August 2021. While he has a variety of specific duties, he sees them all as pieces of one larger job: to maintain wine quality. “I think it's the idea of working for something that is greater than yourself and never truly having control that keeps me enthralled by winemaking. We navigate what the growing season and vineyard give us every vintage. I love the fact that we, as winemakers, are just here to bring out the truest expression of the vineyard.”

The 2020 winegrowing season opened with warmer temperatures and a very dry January and February, marking an early start to the growing cycle, with bud break beginning in late February. Spring rains gave the vines access to nutrients in the soil and cool, mild conditions prevailed into summer until an August heat wave accelerated ripening that led to an early harvest. The one- to two-week early start resulted in slightly earlier harvest dates, and while the crop yield was smaller than average, the quality of fruit was excellent.

Tasting Notes:
A seamless, vivacious, and mineral-driven expression of Chardonnay, delivering beautifully intertwined aromas and flavors of lemon blossom, stone fruits, flint, and crystalized ginger.

Food Suggestions:
The luscious mouthfeel and seaside mineral characters of this wine make a wide range of seafood dishes shine. Try pairing with Oysters Rockefeller, lobster bisque, seared scallops or fresh sautéed abalone.
Alternative options include a roasted pork loin with mustard glaze or a brown butter sage agnolotti.