Art of the Vineyard

Best Selling Stories

Forever Miss America

The Forever Miss America Collection is a celebratory sampling of the barrel treasures in Carmody McKnight’s cellar winery. A one-time-only glimpse into nature’s crowning achievement…the final assemblage. 

Originating from Carmody McKnight’s legendary volcanic west Paso Robles estate, the most mineral and health prolific vineyard in the viticultural world,  the special series of luxury Bordeaux varietal wines bestows a gift from the sale of every bottle to the Forever Miss America Scholarship Fund and represents decades of commitment toward the economic and social advancement of all women through education opportunities and career resourcing.

These collectible wines are a return to the central purpose of natural wine – celebrating the love of life, the gift of health and consummate well-being! 

Each bottle purchased directly benefits the college scholarships of the Miss America Foundation, state and local foundations.  If ever wines could measure up to their 100 years of unmatched scholastic and academic achievement, this commemorative collection would rise to the occasion. 

Cabernet Franc

2019 Estate Collection

100% Estate Single Varietal

The classic Bordeaux blending grape is showcased as the quintessence of the varietal.

Nowhere on this planet are there more favorable conditions to explore and manifest this most misunderstood varietal. The Mediterranean climate of west Paso Robles, recognized by the most sunny days and lowest diurnal temperature range of all viticultural regions, enables consistent and complete fruit ripening. In the glass, medium ruby color, vivacious aromas of violet, dried herbs and red fruit.  On the palate, vibrant cranberry lingers in harmony with red currant and finishes long with red fruit, graphite and spice.

Harvest Date: November, 2019
Block 3: 4 tons/acre
Oak: 100% neutral
Aging: 24 Months in Barrel
Case Production: 60
Drink: Now – 2027

Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 Estate Collection

100% Estate Single Varietal

Difficult to find a wine naturally created that can replicate this superbly-aged and rarefied estate Cabernet. This polished, approachable gem is a chameleonic marvel that yields a fascinating luxury experience.

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 20 months in neutral barrels. The medium ruby wine brings fathomless depth and luxurious blackcurrant liquor, cassis, cherry, licorice and smoke. The constantly evolving spectrum of aromas and flavors is enveloped by firm structure and medium acidity that will present a rich velvety structure for years to come.

Harvest Date: October, 2019
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Block 5: 4 tons/acre
Oak: 70% French, 30% American, neutral
Case Production: 60
Drink: Now – 2030

 

Forever Miss America Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot

2019 Estate Collection

100% Estate Single Varietal

The 2019 Estate Merlot vintage rivals the most time-honored St. Emilion Grand Crus in depth and complexity and exceeds all expectations of natural, dry-farmed viticultural expertise. Medium ruby in color, the wine needs no coaxing to unfurl fragrant perfume of violet, chocolate covered cherries, crushed blueberries and eucalyptus over char-grilled meat. Full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins and seamless freshness interknit with spice, black fruit and forest floor finishing long and decadent.

Harvest Date: November, 2019
Blend: 100% Merlot
Block 3: 4 tons/acre
Oak: 100% American, neutral
Case Production: 72
Drink: Now – 2030

 

Forever Miss America Merlot