Elk Cove Vineyards 'Estate' Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2023

Founded in 1974 by Pat and Joe Campbell, Elk Cove Vineyards is one of Oregon’s pioneering wineries. Now led by second-generation winemaker Adam Campbell, the estate encompasses over 380 acres across six vineyard sites in the Northern Willamette Valley. Elk Cove is renowned for crafting estate-grown Pinot Noir that reflects the region’s diverse soils and cool-climate character.

• WINEMAKER: Adam Campbell

• FARMING: Sustainable (LIVE Certified)

• VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir

• TERROIR: Sourced from six estate vineyards—Winery Estate, Mount Richmond, Five Mountain, Clay Court, Goodrich, and Windhill—spanning the Yamhill-Carlton, Chehalem Mountains, and Laurelwood District AVAs. Soils include Willakenzie (marine sedimentary), Laurelwood (windblown loess over basalt), and Jory (volcanic), with elevations ranging from 250 to 700 feet.

• VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented separately by vineyard block in small, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Fermentations are punched down by hand twice daily.

• AGING: Aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% of which are new.

• TASTING NOTES: Aromas of bright cherry and raspberry are complemented by notes of cinnamon and delicate violet. The palate offers juicy plum and boysenberry flavors, with earthy undertones of cola and leather. The finish is smooth and elegant, featuring soft, chalky tannins and hints of crème brûlée.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Roast duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or herb-crusted pork loin

• SCORES: 92 points – Wine Spectator