William Knuttel Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2011

This new Chairman’s Selection comes from the Napa-based winemaker whose eponymous labels have been in moderate PLCB rotation in recent times. Despite frequency, I admittedly knew little about the man. Honestly, I still don’t.

Knuttel’s resume – what I can make of it – is that of a hotshot winemaker, having started at Saintsbury where he made a mark for well over a decade before moving on Chalk Hill Winery, Dry Creek Vineyard and elsewhere. He has also served as consultant for brands in Napa and Sonoma.

The winemaker’s latest offering in Pennsylvania, the William Knuttel Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2011, was made from grapes sourced from the Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County and produced at Knuttel’s Oakville (Napa County) facility. The juice was aged on the lees for 16 months in all-new French oak. Alcohol content is 13.9%.

I liked the wine from first whiff, reminiscent of sea air over a pineapple grove. Juicy and decently balanced, there are gobs of Dole fruit within. I braced for oak, and some does settle into the mid palate, but for the most part it sides with integration. Big points for the piercing acidity (especially considering its Cali Cab-ness) and mineral-saline touches. The viscosity means for medium-bodied drinking.

In total, the Knuttel weighs in trim, focused and on the vibrant side of the drinking spectrum – if a little alcohol hot. Though comparably not a significant savings, the $16 tariff in PA stacks up well to pricing found online, making for a fair exchange on a Chardonnay of this quality.