# Elk Cove Estate Pinot Noir (2021)

- **Producer:** Elk Cove Vineyards
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Oregon, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, red cherry, currant, black plum, black pepper, pastry, chocolate, coffee, violets, tobacco

## About this wine

Elk Cove Vineyards Elk Cove Estate Pinot Noir is a 100% Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, Oregon. The winery, established in 1974, is a family-owned operation with a long history of farming in the region. Winemaker Adam Campbell, a second-generation winemaker, oversees the production, focusing on estate-grown fruit from six sustainably farmed vineyard sites across the northern Willamette Valley. The winery was the first in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. The 2021 vintage experienced climatic challenges, including rainfall during bloom and a heat dome event.

## Interesting facts

- Founded in 1974, Elk Cove was the first vineyard and winery in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA.
- The winery is family-owned and operated, with a fifth-generation Oregon farmer at the helm.
- Fruit is sourced from six sustainably farmed vineyard sites.
- Adam Campbell, the winemaker, believes high-quality wine starts in the vineyard.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and fruit-forward notes complement richer proteins like duck and pork. Its earthy undertones and subtle spice notes harmonize with mushrooms and herbs, while its balanced acidity can cut through the richness of creamy dishes.

## Wine making process

Elk Cove Vineyards Elk Cove Estate Pinot Noir is produced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The wine is aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, with 38% of them being new. The winery emphasizes estate-grown fruit, sourced from six sustainably farmed vineyard sites across the northern Willamette Valley. The 2021 vintage in the Willamette Valley was characterized by challenging climatic conditions, including rainfall during bloom and a significant heat dome event.