Dec 30, 2022
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Elk Cove Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Campbell Family |
| Web site | www.elkcove.com |
| Link to this site |
Elk Cove Vineyards was founded in 1974 by Pat and Joe Campbell, making it one of Oregon's oldest wine producers. There were only about 200 acres of grapes planted at that time in Oregon. The estate vineyard was planted in a protected valley where the namesake Roosevelt elk migrate each spring. It was a family affair from the beginning with four children being the parents' first labor force. The first vintage was 1977. Joe made wine for the first twenty years, the two worked together on the 1995 and 1996 vintages and then son Adam took over in 1997.
The winery's focus is on the Pinot "trilogy": Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc with a few lesser-known wines such as Muscat Ottonel and Riesling. Elk Cove Vineyards has produced single-vineyard Pinot Noir since 1979. Currently the single-vineyard lineup includes Windhill, La Boheme, Roosevelt, Mt. Richmond, and Five Mountain. A total of 230 acres are farmed.
The wines enjoy good retail distribution. The limited release wines are sold out quickly through loyal customers and on the website. 503-985-7760. This is a trusted source for consistently fine Oregon wines. The comfortable tasting room has panoramic views of the Willamette Valley and is open daily 10:00 to 5:00.
Articles About Elk Cove Vineyards
2014 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
More Juicy 2010 Oregon Pinot Incoming (9.15 11/24/2012)
More Reading On Noiregon (7.2 9/15/2008)
Oregon Pinot Noir Doctors (9.25 6/2/2013)
Oregon Pinot Noir Starts Here: A Sampling of Entry Level Wines (10.36 8/29/2016)
Pinot Briefs (9.27 7/22/2013)
Pinot Briefs (9.39 3/29/2014)
Pinot Gris: Oregon’s Signature White Wine (7.15 3/26/2009)
Portland Monthly: Oregon’s 50 Best Wines (9.12 10/1/2012)
Rece$$ion Busters (7.15 3/26/2009)
Recent Sips of Pinot Noir (9.40 4/17/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir & More (9.42 5/25/2014)
Small Sips of Oregon Pinot (8.19 8/8/2010)
Vineyards Established 1965-1971 (12.29 6/5/2022)
Vineyards Established 1972-1973 (12.29 6/5/2022)
Willamette Valley’s 50th Anniversary: A New Look at the Old Guard (10.18 9/29/2015)
Reviewed Wines
2018 Elk Cove Vineyards Five Mountain Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $60.
·
Dark garnet color in
the glass. Attractive aromas of black cherry reduction,
underbrush and sweet oak. This wine resembles the 2017
vintage but has more red fruit (both red and black cherry) less
oak input, more cohesiveness, and a longer, much longer finish.
The wine is nicely balanced with suave tannins, good verve, and
a gentle texture all combiner to deliver easy approachability and
a very seductive vibe.
Score: 95.
Reviewed May 30, 2022
ARTICLE »
2018 Elk Cove Vineyards Windhill Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.58, 154 cases, $60.
Harvest Brix 24º. Fermented in small open-top steel
fermenters and aged 10 months in 27% French oak barrels.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of
blackberry, boysenberry, creme soda, and bramble. Midweight
plus flavors of olallieberry and blackberry touched with
exceptional spice. Expansive on the mid palate and the
extremely long finish. Supportive, dusty tannins and welcome
oak with an underlying earthy tone. This wine reminds me of a
delicious olallieberry pie (my favorite).
Score: 95.
Reviewed May 29, 2022
ARTICLE »
2017 Elk Cove Vineyards Five Mountain Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 741
cases, $60. Harvest Brix 24.0º. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the
glass. The nose offers a joyous mix of cherry, licorice and sandalwood aromas. Both fruity and earthy in a midweight
plus style revealing a deep dive into ripe, dark fruits including blackberry and black current. Sleek in the
mouth, with a compliment of toasty oak and an extremely long finish.
Score: 93.
Reviewed May 30, 2022
ARTICLE »
2015 Elk Cove Vineyards 1978 Old Vines Selection Five Mountain Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.0%
alc.. A donation to the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Barrel
Auction #2, Lot #53, bottle 58 of 60.
·
Moderate garnet color in
the glass. Intoxicating aromas of plump cherry and sous-bois.
Exceptionally delicious, sporting well-spiced and very bright red
cherry and red raspberry fruit flavors that engage and maintain
through a very long finish that offers endless aromatic
goodness. Impeccably balanced, with gentle tannins and a silky,
caressing demeanor.Still heaven sent when tasted the following
day from a previously opened bottle. WOW!
Score: 97.
Reviewed May 30, 2022
ARTICLE »
2014 Elk Cove Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
13.0% alc., pH
3.16, TA 0.66, RS 3.9, 25,689 cases, $19. The winery’s most
successful wine that is widely distributed and turns up on “Top
Wine” lists year after year. Grapes are sourced for four estate
vineyard sites, some planted by the founders in 1985 as well as
young vines that were added to the Mount Richmond site in
recent years. The Pinot Gris undergoes shoot and crop thinning
for low yields to maximize quality and concentration. Fermented only in
stainless steel tanks.
·
Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Lovely
aromas of apple, pear and floral notes. Slightly creamy on the palate,
with fresh flavors of apple and honey. A quintessential Oregon Pinot Gris
that offers a lip-smacking finish. Very easy to like.
Score: 90.
Reviewed September 29, 2015
ARTICLE »
2014 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $29. Winemakers Adam
Campbell and Heather Perkin attempt to bring the voices of various vineyards together into balance,
representing an art that reflects their style.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Wellscented
with aromas of black cherry and black raspberry. On the mid weight palate, the flavors of
spiced darker berries satisfy. There is a deft touch of oak seasoning, modest dry tannins, a smooth
texture and a pleasing, short-lived finish. A solid everyday offering.
Score: 89.
Reviewed August 29, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Elk Cove La Bohémé Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $60. This is a high elevation and steep
south-facing vineyard with well-drained Willakenzie soils located high above the Elk Cove property. The
vineyard was planted in 1984 using cuttings from the Elk Cove Estate Vineyard.
·
Moderate and bright reddish
purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume of black cherry, black raspberry, plum, violet, red licorice, cardamom
and wood spice. Mid weight flavors of dark stone fruits and berries with complimentary oak and spice in the
background. The attack is mouth filling, the fruit is bright and juicy, and the finish is rewarding. A pretty wine
that was still solid the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 6, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Elk Cove Mount Richmond Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $34. This vineyard is
located on a steep southeast facing slope with well-drained Willakenzie soil. Planted in 1996 with
cuttings from Elk Cove’s Roosevelt Vineyard.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Deep aromas of
cherry, strawberry, leather wallet and oak. Satisfying flavors of cherry and red berries with
complimentary oak in the background. Supple tannins with a tangy, cherry themed finish. A good
food wine.
Score: 90.
Reviewed April 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2010 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., pH 3.55, 7,227 cases, $29.
A blend from several vineyards including Pommard and Dijon clones. Vine age 9 to 37 years, yield
1.6 tons per acre.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of fresh, dark red cherries,
raspberries and strawberries leap from the glass. The rich flavors echo the nose, with a well-balanced
backbone of acidity and tannin, and a strong, firm finish. A showy wine with surprising
richness for this vintage and the low alcohol level. One of Oregon’s consistently solid value-priced
Pinot Noirs. Produced in quantity and widely available. Good (+).
Reviewed November 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Elk Cove Vineyards Clay Court Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.60, 352 cases, $48.
This vineyard is located in the Parrot Mountain area of the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Acquired by Elk Cove
Vineyards in 2009, this 15-acre vineyard was planted in 2001 to Dijon 115, 777 and Pommard. The soils are
dark red Jory in type. Yield 1.75 tons per acre.
·
Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Uplifted aromas of dark
red cherries, spice and sandalwood. Well-spiced mid-weight cherry essence with nicely integrated acidity and
gossamer tannins. A wine of style and grace with plenty of cherry talking. Much better later in the day from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good.
Reviewed November 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Elk Cove Vineyards La Bohème Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0%
alc., pH 3.67, 353 cases, $48. This vineyard was planted in 1985 and is now a
17-acre high density site composed of vines selected from the original Estate
Pommard planting. This vineyard rises to 800 feet, high above the Elk Cove
property, making it one of the highest elevation sites in the Willamette Valley.
Yield 1.55 tons per acre.
·
Light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Demure fruit
aromas of strawberry and cherry with seasoned oak in the background. Oakkissed
dark red berry and cherry fruits with good intensity, creating an
impression on the mid palate and persisting with moderate richness on the
finish. A note of red licorice is evident. A sophisticated offering of considerable
appeal. Very good.
Reviewed November 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Elk Cove Vineyards Mount Richmond Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $48. Vineyard was planted in 1996 with cuttings from
Roosevelt Vineyard. Willakenzie soils.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple
color in the glass. Great nose! Lovely aromas of black cherry fill the
glass like fresh cherries just off the tree. Aromas of spice and candied
cinnamon apple add interest. A cherry bombast on the palate that is flat
out delicious. A sensational wine that is moderately rich but strikingly
flavorful and composed in a seamless fashion with modest fine-grain tannins
and complimentary oak in the background. Plenty of Pinot singing in this great
wine.
Reviewed June 4, 2013
ARTICLE »
2008 Elk Cove Mount Richmond Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc.,
pH 3.68, 894 cases, $48. From a vineyard planted in high density format in
1996 with old Pommard cuttings from Roosevelt Vineyard. Clones 115 and 777
add to the mix.
·
Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark plums
and tea with oak. Full-bodied hedonistic fruit buried in oak and tannin at
present. Just doesn’t offer a load of pleasure now and needs time in the cellar
to integrate the oak and tannin. Good.
Reviewed August 9, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
13.0% alc., 18,420 cases, $19.
From vines that are 7-22 years of age cropped at 3.2 tons per acre (shoot and crop thinned
for low yields). Whole cluster pressed and fermented at very cool temperatures in small
stainless steel tanks.
·
Complex aromatic profile of pears, biscuit, honey and wax. Bright pear
and apple fruits with a creamy richness, lively yet well-integrated acidity and a persistent
finish. This is the one to try if you want to experience what Oregon Pinot gris is all about.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 19,750
cases, $21. Family owned and managed winery with 600 acres on four vineyard
sites. The focus is the Pinot Trilogy: Noir, Gris and Blanc. This wine is composed
of Pommard and Dijon clones.
·
Complex aromatic profile featuring dark berry
fruits, aged wood, fresh-mown grass and a hint of chocolate. The flavors echo
the aromas with some added earthiness and woodsy fungi notes. Unusually
hearty richness and color for a 2007 vintage Oregon Pinot Noir. Barely noticeable tannins
and a dry finish. Well-crafted and easy to drink.
Reviewed March 26, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $23.
·
Confected cherry and brown sugar
aromas lead to a cherry-driven core with a little root beer and oak adding interest. Soft in texture with a
pleasing fullness in the mouth and a short, but pleasing finish. An excellent back porch wine for daily drinking.
Reviewed September 15, 2008
ARTICLE »
2004 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $19. One of Oregon's oldest and most distinguished producers. It is a family owned and operated winery with Adam Godlee Campbell as the winemaker.
·
Nice wine for what it is. A toasty oak and fruit scented nose leads to luscious cherry and raspberry flavors kissed by oak. The mouth feel is viscous and the whole package is nicely balanced. You would be hard pressed to find a better under-$20 Pinot Noir.
Reviewed September 5, 2006
2018 Elk Cove Vineyards Five Mountain Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $60. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Attractive aromas of black cherry reduction, underbrush and sweet oak. This wine resembles the 2017 vintage but has more red fruit (both red and black cherry) less oak input, more cohesiveness, and a longer, much longer finish. The wine is nicely balanced with suave tannins, good verve, and a gentle texture all combiner to deliver easy approachability and a very seductive vibe. Score: 95. Reviewed May 30, 2022 ARTICLE »
2018 Elk Cove Vineyards Windhill Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.58, 154 cases, $60. Harvest Brix 24º. Fermented in small open-top steel fermenters and aged 10 months in 27% French oak barrels. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, creme soda, and bramble. Midweight plus flavors of olallieberry and blackberry touched with exceptional spice. Expansive on the mid palate and the extremely long finish. Supportive, dusty tannins and welcome oak with an underlying earthy tone. This wine reminds me of a delicious olallieberry pie (my favorite). Score: 95. Reviewed May 29, 2022 ARTICLE »
2017 Elk Cove Vineyards Five Mountain Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 741 cases, $60. Harvest Brix 24.0º. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose offers a joyous mix of cherry, licorice and sandalwood aromas. Both fruity and earthy in a midweight plus style revealing a deep dive into ripe, dark fruits including blackberry and black current. Sleek in the mouth, with a compliment of toasty oak and an extremely long finish. Score: 93. Reviewed May 30, 2022 ARTICLE »
2015 Elk Cove Vineyards 1978 Old Vines Selection Five Mountain Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.0% alc.. A donation to the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Barrel Auction #2, Lot #53, bottle 58 of 60. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of plump cherry and sous-bois. Exceptionally delicious, sporting well-spiced and very bright red cherry and red raspberry fruit flavors that engage and maintain through a very long finish that offers endless aromatic goodness. Impeccably balanced, with gentle tannins and a silky, caressing demeanor.Still heaven sent when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. WOW! Score: 97. Reviewed May 30, 2022 ARTICLE »
2014 Elk Cove Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
13.0% alc., pH 3.16, TA 0.66, RS 3.9, 25,689 cases, $19. The winery’s most successful wine that is widely distributed and turns up on “Top Wine” lists year after year. Grapes are sourced for four estate vineyard sites, some planted by the founders in 1985 as well as young vines that were added to the Mount Richmond site in recent years. The Pinot Gris undergoes shoot and crop thinning for low yields to maximize quality and concentration. Fermented only in stainless steel tanks. · Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Lovely aromas of apple, pear and floral notes. Slightly creamy on the palate, with fresh flavors of apple and honey. A quintessential Oregon Pinot Gris that offers a lip-smacking finish. Very easy to like. Score: 90. Reviewed September 29, 2015 ARTICLE »
2014 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $29. Winemakers Adam Campbell and Heather Perkin attempt to bring the voices of various vineyards together into balance, representing an art that reflects their style. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Wellscented with aromas of black cherry and black raspberry. On the mid weight palate, the flavors of spiced darker berries satisfy. There is a deft touch of oak seasoning, modest dry tannins, a smooth texture and a pleasing, short-lived finish. A solid everyday offering. Score: 89. Reviewed August 29, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Elk Cove La Bohémé Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $60. This is a high elevation and steep south-facing vineyard with well-drained Willakenzie soils located high above the Elk Cove property. The vineyard was planted in 1984 using cuttings from the Elk Cove Estate Vineyard. · Moderate and bright reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume of black cherry, black raspberry, plum, violet, red licorice, cardamom and wood spice. Mid weight flavors of dark stone fruits and berries with complimentary oak and spice in the background. The attack is mouth filling, the fruit is bright and juicy, and the finish is rewarding. A pretty wine that was still solid the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed July 6, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Elk Cove Mount Richmond Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $34. This vineyard is located on a steep southeast facing slope with well-drained Willakenzie soil. Planted in 1996 with cuttings from Elk Cove’s Roosevelt Vineyard. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Deep aromas of cherry, strawberry, leather wallet and oak. Satisfying flavors of cherry and red berries with complimentary oak in the background. Supple tannins with a tangy, cherry themed finish. A good food wine. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2010 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., pH 3.55, 7,227 cases, $29. A blend from several vineyards including Pommard and Dijon clones. Vine age 9 to 37 years, yield 1.6 tons per acre. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of fresh, dark red cherries, raspberries and strawberries leap from the glass. The rich flavors echo the nose, with a well-balanced backbone of acidity and tannin, and a strong, firm finish. A showy wine with surprising richness for this vintage and the low alcohol level. One of Oregon’s consistently solid value-priced Pinot Noirs. Produced in quantity and widely available. Good (+). Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Elk Cove Vineyards Clay Court Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.60, 352 cases, $48. This vineyard is located in the Parrot Mountain area of the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Acquired by Elk Cove Vineyards in 2009, this 15-acre vineyard was planted in 2001 to Dijon 115, 777 and Pommard. The soils are dark red Jory in type. Yield 1.75 tons per acre. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Uplifted aromas of dark red cherries, spice and sandalwood. Well-spiced mid-weight cherry essence with nicely integrated acidity and gossamer tannins. A wine of style and grace with plenty of cherry talking. Much better later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Elk Cove Vineyards La Bohème Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.67, 353 cases, $48. This vineyard was planted in 1985 and is now a 17-acre high density site composed of vines selected from the original Estate Pommard planting. This vineyard rises to 800 feet, high above the Elk Cove property, making it one of the highest elevation sites in the Willamette Valley. Yield 1.55 tons per acre. · Light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Demure fruit aromas of strawberry and cherry with seasoned oak in the background. Oakkissed dark red berry and cherry fruits with good intensity, creating an impression on the mid palate and persisting with moderate richness on the finish. A note of red licorice is evident. A sophisticated offering of considerable appeal. Very good. Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Elk Cove Vineyards Mount Richmond Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $48. Vineyard was planted in 1996 with cuttings from Roosevelt Vineyard. Willakenzie soils. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Great nose! Lovely aromas of black cherry fill the glass like fresh cherries just off the tree. Aromas of spice and candied cinnamon apple add interest. A cherry bombast on the palate that is flat out delicious. A sensational wine that is moderately rich but strikingly flavorful and composed in a seamless fashion with modest fine-grain tannins and complimentary oak in the background. Plenty of Pinot singing in this great wine. Reviewed June 4, 2013 ARTICLE »
2008 Elk Cove Mount Richmond Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.68, 894 cases, $48. From a vineyard planted in high density format in 1996 with old Pommard cuttings from Roosevelt Vineyard. Clones 115 and 777 add to the mix. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark plums and tea with oak. Full-bodied hedonistic fruit buried in oak and tannin at present. Just doesn’t offer a load of pleasure now and needs time in the cellar to integrate the oak and tannin. Good. Reviewed August 9, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
13.0% alc., 18,420 cases, $19. From vines that are 7-22 years of age cropped at 3.2 tons per acre (shoot and crop thinned for low yields). Whole cluster pressed and fermented at very cool temperatures in small stainless steel tanks. · Complex aromatic profile of pears, biscuit, honey and wax. Bright pear and apple fruits with a creamy richness, lively yet well-integrated acidity and a persistent finish. This is the one to try if you want to experience what Oregon Pinot gris is all about. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 19,750 cases, $21. Family owned and managed winery with 600 acres on four vineyard sites. The focus is the Pinot Trilogy: Noir, Gris and Blanc. This wine is composed of Pommard and Dijon clones. · Complex aromatic profile featuring dark berry fruits, aged wood, fresh-mown grass and a hint of chocolate. The flavors echo the aromas with some added earthiness and woodsy fungi notes. Unusually hearty richness and color for a 2007 vintage Oregon Pinot Noir. Barely noticeable tannins and a dry finish. Well-crafted and easy to drink. Reviewed March 26, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $23. · Confected cherry and brown sugar aromas lead to a cherry-driven core with a little root beer and oak adding interest. Soft in texture with a pleasing fullness in the mouth and a short, but pleasing finish. An excellent back porch wine for daily drinking. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2004 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $19. One of Oregon's oldest and most distinguished producers. It is a family owned and operated winery with Adam Godlee Campbell as the winemaker. · Nice wine for what it is. A toasty oak and fruit scented nose leads to luscious cherry and raspberry flavors kissed by oak. The mouth feel is viscous and the whole package is nicely balanced. You would be hard pressed to find a better under-$20 Pinot Noir. Reviewed September 5, 2006