2024 Elk Cove - Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (750ml)

Elk Cove Vineyards is one of Oregon's oldest and most respected wineries, founded by the Campbell family in 1977, when only about 200 acres of vines existed in the entire state. Joe Campbell made the wine for the winery's first two decades before handing the reins to his son Adam, who has led winemaking since 1997 while still working alongside his parents. The estate sits in a protected valley where migrating Roosevelt elk pass through each spring, giving the winery its name.

The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is made entirely from estate grown fruit across six vineyard sites, including The Winery Estate, Mount Richmond, Five Mountain, Clay Court, Goodrich, and Windhill, planted to a mix of Pommard and Dijon clones. Drawing from all three major Willamette Valley soil types lets the winemaking team blend for complexity and balance each vintage. Grapes from each block are fermented separately in small temperature controlled tanks, punched down by hand twice daily, then aged around ten months in French oak before the final blend is assembled.

This vintage offers bright red cherry and raspberry aromas with cinnamon, violet, and rose petal lift. The palate carries juicy plum and boysenberry alongside earthier notes of cola and leather, finishing with fine, chalky tannins. It pairs nicely with roast turkey, grilled salmon, or a simple mushroom pasta.