Santa Maria Valley

Lively red fruit, with a smoky note from the stems (60%). Very aromatic and pure – a classic Au Bon Climat hallmark is the intense fragrance of the Pinots. Floral as well. Masses of ripe, soft red fruit on the palate, think redcurrants, cranberries, et al. Very supple tannins and a fine boned structure. One for Christmas lunch in a couple of years.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager

The Knox Alexander feels straight-backed and proud, its ‘Pinosity’ cutting through like a knife. Serious, rather than seductive, this is a tight, focused wine with bright acidity. The tannins are extremely fine yet hugely present, surrounded by a restrained core of fresh but sumptuous, pure fruit. The wine has beautiful precision and is completely spellbinding. This is a masterclass in how to make ‘proper’ Pinot Noir from a winemaker at the top of his game.
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer

Knox (named after Jim’s son) is a blend of the best fruit from the Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat Vineyards. The wines see 18 months in barrel (75% new French oak) and filtration is done only as a last resort. The wine then rests in bottle for a year before it is released. The 2006 has a serious weighty fruit on the nose that will need 3-5 years to show its best. Very focused and darker berry fruits come to the fore. Superbly structured, with well-defined red and black fruit that will fill out with time. Another top-drawer wine.
Hong Kong Fine Wine Team

This is an outstanding Knox Alexander (this wine is a vineyard selection of the best sections of the Bien Nacido Vineyard) from a legendary year. This is undoubtedly one of the finest New World Pinot Noirs I have ever tasted. Red fruit and berries dominate the aromas in this wine, with delicate aromatics to the nose and an enveloping expanse. The mouth is intense, with a perfectly crisp and balanced acidity. Disengaged red berries, citrus, and spice notes come to the party, with tannins that result in a great length to the finish. I would put this at a quality level equivalent to 1er cru Cote de Nuits. Top work Big Jim [Clendenen, winemaker].
David Berry Green