Knudsen Vineyards: The Suitcase Clone Mystery

How to Complete

4 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. 📜 1

   Find the 9 Clones Display

   history Free

   Ask for information about their '9 Clones That Changed the World' at Knudsen Vineyards (17895 NE Calkins Ln, Newberg) — they've written extensively about this legendary list: Pommard, Wädenswil, Dijon 113, 114, 115, 667, 777, 828, and the infamous 'suitcase' clones. Walk into the tasting room (open Friday-Monday, 10:30am-4:30pm) and ask specifically: 'Can you explain the difference between legally imported clones and suitcase clones?' The answer involves UC Davis, Dr. Harold Olmo, and some colorful stories about luggage that would make customs agents nervous.

   🔄 BACKUP: Their blog at knudsenvineyards.com/blog/9-pinot-noir-clones-that-changed-the-world/ has the full history if staff is busy.

   🍷 Log Memory
2. 📜 2

   The Joseph Swan Suitcase Story

   history Free

   Extract the full legend of the smuggled cuttings.

   THE MYSTERY: In the 1970s, Joseph Swan of Russian River Valley allegedly traveled to Burgundy, befriended producers, and returned with vine cuttings in his personal luggage. The provenance is murky - some claim DRC cuttings, others say other grand crus. The Swan Clone is now prized in Russian River and Santa Lucia Highlands. ASK: 'What do you know about suitcase clones? Is the Swan Clone story true?' Different wineries have different versions. KEY QUESTION: 'How can you tell a suitcase clone from a legal import?' The honest answer: you often can't. The genetics may be identical to legal imports. But the STORY matters - these bootleg vines represent a romantic era of American winemaking.

   🔄 BACKUP: If they don't know the story, ask about their own oldest plantings - Knudsen was founded 1971, among Oregon's earliest.

   🍷 Log Memory
3. 🍷 3

   Taste the Heritage vs Dijon Showdown

   wine $$

   THE CHALLENGE: Order wines that showcase heritage clones (Pommard, Wädenswil) vs Dijon clones (115, 667, 777). Ask: 'Do you have anything from your oldest blocks planted in the 1970s-80s?' These heritage plantings often produce wines with more SAVORY, EARTH-DRIVEN character - less fruit-forward than Dijon-dominant wines. WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Heritage = mushroom, forest floor, umami, dried herbs. Dijon = cherry, raspberry, spice, fruit-forward. Your 2025 tasting options include the 'Backstory' (Block 6, Pommard clone, rated 94 points) and 'Snapshot' (Blocks 12-13, Dijon 820 and 667). Compare them directly.

   🔄 BACKUP: If specific clonal wines aren't available, their Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($35) blends multiple clones - ask which clones dominate.

   🍷 Log Memory
4. ⛰️ 4

   Walk the 1971 Heritage Blocks

   Optional

   adventure Free

   Old vines have thicker, gnarlier trunks than young plantings, and the 1971 heritage blocks at Knudsen represent some of Oregon's first vines still standing. Ask if you can walk to view their oldest vineyard blocks — the original plantings may still be visible from the property, with their distinctive wider spacing that marks pre-modern viticulture. Photo the oldest vines you can find (these are living history) and notice how late morning light illuminates the volcanic red Jory soil that defines this AVA.

   🔄 BACKUP: If walking isn't permitted, the view from the tasting room windows shows different vineyard blocks - ask which are heritage vs new plantings.

   🍷 Log Memory

Insider Tips

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  The 'Swan Clone' was allegedly smuggled from Burgundy by Joseph Swan in the 1970s - the exact source remains debated.

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  Dr. Harold Olmo of UC Davis legally imported Pommard (1956) and Wädenswil (1952) - he's the godfather of legal clones.

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  Heritage clones are seeing a RENAISSANCE as winemakers seek complexity over fruit - the pendulum swings away from Dijon.

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  Knudsen has been producing wine since 1971 - they're Oregon pioneers, among the first dozen wineries in the state.

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  The 2022 'Backstory' from their Pommard Block 6 was rated 94 points - heritage clones at their finest.