Winery - Elk Cove
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is high-elevation Pinot, from the northern Willamette, and shows a different flavor set than the superripe, tannic, Zinny wines made further south. But it is very well made, firm and varietal, with a complex mix of herb, leaf and tart fruits, and will prosper with 5–7 years of cellaring.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Soft and seductive, the nose is redolent of primary fruits, with leafy, earthy undertones. Good balance and focus, with a sense of gathering strength as it rolls down the throat. Elk Cove is showing significant improvement from vintage to vintage, and is quickly moving into Oregon’s top ranks.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Hits with a bit of sharpness and a high-toned edge. The fruit is ripe but the wine seems a bit disjointed. Some breathing time, maybe even decanting, is a good idea.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Highly enjoyable and distinctive, with a soft, supple palate that smoothes together rich plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit. It’s lean but not sour, subtle and lingering, with good grip and a hint of underbrush.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Purplish and youthful, this Pinot only grudgingly reveals scents of beet, root, earth and fresh-picked tomatoes. Despite several hours of airing, the flavors remain stubbornly closed, with hard tannins and an earthy finish. Needs considerable time. —P.G.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Five Mountain is the newest addition to Elk Cove’s single-vineyard portfolio, and it stands apart with sharp, spicy, pine resin highlights dotted with cranberry fruit. Tomato leaf and savory spices pile on through the finish; this is distinctive and well-crafted, though a bit off the mainstream Oregon style.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Soft, open and wonderfully accessible, this broad, smooth effort has a bit of California styling, thanks to an exceptionally hot vintage. Ready to enjoy right now.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Forward and fruity, this is an easy-drinking bottle of Pinot that seems deceptively light at first, then gains both mass and complexity with some streaks of licorice and vanilla, laced with edgy herbs and tannins. It has the structure to be cellared for another few years.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is a fruit-powered wine, loaded with fresh pear, melon and tropical flavors. It shows no sign of having suffered from the wet, cool weather that hit Oregon during the 2007 harvest. It seems riper than the perfectly balanced ’06 bottling, with lower acids and a streak of vanilla and coconut wrapping up the finish.
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