Fermented with 25% whole clusters and aged in new barrels, the 2020 Pinot Noir Knox Alexander is similarly light ruby-hued and has a spicy, complex nose of ripe red fruit, spicy herbs, leather, and savory flowers. This carries to a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that's beautifully balanced, has an elegant, seamless mouthfeel, perfectly resolved tannins, and a great finish. I love its overall purity, balance, and length, and I would expect it to evolve gracefully over the coming 10-15 years. It might be the finest vintage of this cuvée I've tasted.

The 2020 Pinot Noir Knox Alexander is a barrel selection of Santa Maria sites, mostly from Bien Nacido, that spent two years in 100% new French oak. This is an especially floral, lifted style with a fair amount of stems and plenty of Santa Maria savoriness. It's an eccentric wine, but all the elements are nicely balanced. Orange peel, mint, star anise and bright acids linger on the delicate yet persistent finish.