Always a standard bearer, the latest Pinot Gris from Elk Cove is excellent. Fresh-grated lemon zest and orange blossom aromas are accented by a wee bit of wet slate. The wine, which was whole-cluster pressed and cold fermented in small stainless steel tanks, possesses flavors ranging from grapefruit lightly sprinkled in sugar to a green apple gummy bear. — Michael Alberty
The slightly sweet aromas of ripe melon and cinnamon are joined by traces of fresh-cut hay and wet slate. A brisk, crisp mouthfeel unites in lively fashion with flavors like honeydew melon, apple pectin, lemon and tonic water. I look forward to pouring this with a softball-sized burrata. — Michael Alberty
Open this bottle when food is present, because it will induce hunger pangs. The temptations begin with an aromatic mix of dark raspberries, sprigs of fresh rosemary and a plate of fried plantains. Then Mount Richmond erupts with rich flavors of blackberry gelato, fried sage and a touch of orange zest. — Michael Alberty
“Rich yet graceful and well-knit, with lilting flavors of raspberry and blackberry that take on clove and tobacco accents as this builds structure and polish toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032.”
“From a hillside vineyard, Clay Court is on top of Parrett Mountain comes a beautifully balanced Pinot Noir. Ruby red-hued with great floral elegance, showy notes of dusty red berries, and a gravelly minerality. The palate is fleshy, red-fruited and delicious; a squeeze of blood orange brightens the affair; it’s followed on by tart cranberries, green tea leaves and an array of savoury dried herbs, finishing with tart cherries and a hint of minerality.”
“Deliciously ripe, the Mount Richmond site is secluded, sitting at the western end of the Willamette Valley with south-east-facing slopes. It’s generously aromatic with Christmas spice and clove that lead to black and red berry fruits. The palate is lushly dark fruited, fleshy ripe cherries, hints of turned earth and umami and a wonderful wild anise note at the finish.”
“From a historic site in the foothills of the Cascade Range and the Laurelwood District AVA, the aromas are soft and elegant, With sweet red berries, smoky rose petals, and notes of black tea. The palate is concentrated with ripe fruit, candied raspberries, black cherry flesh, and a finish of spicy black plums.”
“A Pinot Blanc blended across six northern Willamette Valley vineyard sites. Whole cluster pressed, this wine is floral and full of aromatics: green mangoes and ripe golden peaches against a note of sweet clover honey. The palate is medium-bodied, with rich, creamy citrus notes of mandarin and Meyer lemon pulp followed by savoury hints of thyme, green tea and a touch of cardamom.”
“From the Mount Richmond Vineyard in the foothills of the Coast Range on Willakenzie soils, lemon oil marks the aromatics, followed by notes of spiced pear and a hint of almond cream. The palate is lush, well-textured, and bright. Lemon curd flavours mingle with notes of white pepper, honeyed ginger, and sweet nectarine flesh.”
“A Pinot Gris that shows a serious side with nice texture and fullness, it harkens to a time when serious Pinot Gris was de rigueur in the Willamette Valley. Ripe Bartlett pears, bruised apples, and a whisper of cardamom mark the aromatics, which follow with complex nutty notes. Far from simplistic, the fruit on this palate is ripe, nuanced, and layered. Apricot flesh mingles with honeyed peaches, ginger, and lemon pastry cream. Complexity at a great value.”
“The 2022 Pinot Noir Goodrich comes from marine sedimentary soils and was crafted with around 40% whole clusters. It has powerful, broody scents of red and black cherries, iron, mushroom powder and violet. The medium-bodied palate has a finely chalky texture and explosive, juicy fruit that lures you in for another taste. It becomes more complex and detailed as it opens in the glass and will benefit from 2-3 years in bottle.” – Erin Brooks
“A barrel selection, the 2022 Pinot Noir Reserve is pure and expressive. It has layered scents of red cherry and raspberry preserves, rosewater, wild fennel and iron, revealing further detail as it transforms with air in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is powerful and concentrated with fragrant fruit, herb and spice layers. It’s structured by finely grained tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity that brighten its floral perfume, and it has a very long, layered finish.” – Erin Brooks
“The 2022 Pinot Noir Roosevelt is bursting with fragrant raspberry, lavender, wild fennel and mushrooms on the nose, revealing further nuances as it opens in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is detailed and spicy. It has a gently chalky texture, fireworks of fresh acidity and a long, nuanced finish.” – Erin Brooks
“The 2022 Pinot Noir Mount Richmond, from marine sedimentary soils, has deep scents of raspberry and blackberry preserves, rose petals, mushrooms, aniseed and earth. The light-bodied palate features perfumed, spicy berry fruit. It has a silky texture, fireworks of fresh acidity and a long, nuanced finish.” – Erin Brooks
“The 2022 Pinot Noir La Bohème, from grapes planted in 1985, has pure, alluring aromas of pomegranate, blueberry, mushroom powder, iron and desiccated flowers. The light-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with understated yet complex flavors and a long, perfumed finish.” – Erin Brooks