Antonio Galloni 93
"The best balanced of these three 2011 Pinots from Kenz, the 2011 Pinot Noir Cerise bristles with energy and tension. Blood orange, crushed rocks, minerals, plums and roses flesh out in a layered, vibrant Pinot bursting with focus. The 2011 turns a bit savory in the glass, but those notes just add complexity and distinctiveness. The 2011 was done with 50% stems. It is a gorgeous wine from start to finish."

Stephen Tanzer 92
"Deep red. Dark berries and cherry pit on the nose and palate. Shows a chewy quality and a firm edge on entry but fleshes out with air, picking up a candied lavender nuance. Finishes sweet and long, with youthful tannins and impressive length. (JR)"

Wine Information:
Displaying a high toned pungent tarry earth infused nose upon first opening, followed by carnation and baking spice aromas with a fleeting scent of iron and wild animal. Its character becomes hugely spicy and floral with air, penetrating red cherry liqueur taking center stage. Intense mouthfeel and depth of flavors remain elegant, as the taste echoes the nose. This is a sappy, classically styled Cerise with years of rewarding aging ahead.

Winery Information:
Anthony Filiberti, winemaker at Anthill Farms, introduced us to his new project Knez Winery and we were immediately impressed at the quality of these cool climate, high elevation Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley’s Grand Cru sites Cerise & Demuth. Peter and Heidi Knez purchased Cerise and Demuth vineyards in 2007 and after tasting through several vintages of Anthill’s Demuth and Abbey Harris Vineyard (next door), they were determined to have Anthony Filiberti steward their vineyard and make the wines.

Anthony Filiberti took over as director of Knez Winery in the spring of 2009. His experience draws from periods working with Lynn-Penner Ash and Josh Bergstrom in Oregon from 1997-2003, followed by a stint at Williams-Selyem and his ongoing work with Anthill Farms! He is responsible for every aspect of viticulture and winemaking at Knez. Anthony works closely with Vineyard Manager Ryan McAllister. Together they are farming organically and transitioning to Biodynamic this year. Anthony lives at the winery in Boonville, making it easier to oversee all aspects of the business from vineyard to bottle, and now sales as well. All wines are made in a very similiar style.

The Knez family has recently purchased the Demuth Vineyard and farm it biodynamically. The vineyard and the Demuth Vyd wines will be Biodynamic (though not Demeter certified) starting with the 2011 vintage.