Elk Cove 2022 Mount Richmond Pinot Noir – The estate’s largest vineyard is also the most early ripening. Spicy and a bit earthy, this is a full-bodied blast of black fruits. It grabs hold in the mid-palate with good grip and lightly gritty tannins, settling in to those black fruit flavors with sandalwood highlights and a hint of licorice.
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.”
“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.”
“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