Elk Cove Vineyards Reserve Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Oregon 2016 – the flagship from the house

Elk Cove Vineyards Reserve Pinot Noir 2016 is the ultimate expression of the Willamette Valley. This wine is only made in exceptional years – and only when the quality reaches extraordinary heights. Less than 1% of all Pinot Noir from Elk Cove is selected for Reserve, making it a true flagship and rare gem from Oregon.

The 2016 vintage was exceptional, with the best barrels spread across five of the house’s most prestigious vineyards. Including two barrels from Goodrich Vineyard, where approximately 9% whole clusters were used to add extra structure and aromatic complexity. The result is a wine that balances finesse, depth and power in the finest way.

Only the 9 finest barrels in the cellar were selected for this Reserve. The wine is aged in 50% new French oak barrels – exclusively extra dense oak with light toast from some of Burgundy’s best cooperages. The result is a refined integration of barrel, where the fruit is still razor sharp and elegant.

This is Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley at its most serious and age-worthy, with structure, minerality and silky depth.

Tasting notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with a slight garnet tinge.
• Aroma: Intense cherry, wild strawberry and dark raspberry, lifted by subtle notes of forest floor, spice and light toasted oak.
• Taste: Concentrated and velvety with layers of red and dark fruit, fine spices and elegant barrel character.
• Structure: Ripe, silky tannins and great acidity, providing balance and great ageing potential.
• Finish: Long, nuanced and mineral with perfectly integrated oak.

Serve at 15-17°C. Perfect with duck breast, lamb, game or gastronomic dishes with mushrooms and herbs.

The history of the house

Elk Cove Vineyards is one of the pioneers of the Willamette Valley and has been family owned since its founding. The winery is known for its uncompromising focus on terroir, sustainability and quality. With vineyards spread across some of the region’s most coveted appellations, Elk Cove has built a reputation for elegant, structured and age-worthy Pinot Noir wines.

The Reserve represents the essence of the house philosophy: only the absolute best barrels, from the best parcels, in the best years.

• Producer: Elk Cove Vineyards
• Product: Reserve Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2016
• Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Selection: Less than 1% of production
• Barrel aging: 50% new French oak barrels (extra dense, light toast)
• Quantity: 75 cl
• Contains: Sulfites
• Alcohol: 14%alcohol