Knox Alexander could be described as the defining example of Au Bon Climat’s wonderful terroir. It is an estate selection of the very best parcels from the 58 acres of Pinot Noir that Jim Clendenen had planted at the property since 1994.

Sweet strawberries and red cherries dominate the nose, mixed with a touch of vanilla and spice. The 2021 has a wonderfully lifted nose and is beautifully light on its feet with a high kick of tangerine sharpness. Gorgeous acidity licks around the sides of the palate bringing a really lovely freshness and layers of toasty minerality. The tannins are pert, also fresh and delightful, and ease away into a savoury-embedded finish. There is light in this wine; it feels almost crystalline and just dances with energy. A ripe cranberry character with a redcurrant purity dominates on the long finish which lingers on notes of wet stone and cured meat. Drink now-2039.