Elk Cove - Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2023 (750ml)
Price: $19.99
| Producer | Elk Cove |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Oregon |
| Subregion | Willamette Valley |
| Varietal | Pinot Gris |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 678928 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Elk Cove 2023 Pinot Gris is a vibrant expression of Oregon's Willamette Valley. This wine opens with aromas of poached pear and honeysuckle, subtly interwoven with hints of thyme. A juicy palate follows, where ripe pear and apricot flavors lead to a zesty finish of peach skin and lemon.
The 2023 vintage, marked by a cool start and a sunny summer, demanded patience. Elk Cove's estate vineyards benefited from timely rain, allowing for extended hang time and optimal flavor development. Cool nights, even in August, preserved the grapes' freshness. This resulted in excellent fruit quality, though yields were lower than usual, especially for white wines.
Elk Cove's Pinot Gris vines, some among Oregon's oldest, are hand-harvested from hillside vineyards. The winery's commitment to estate-grown fruit ensures control over picking decisions, allowing for precise ripeness. Whole-cluster pressing and cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserve the wine's aromatic qualities and natural richness.
This Pinot Gris, with its balanced acidity and layered flavors, showcases the Willamette Valley's ideal climate for cool-weather whites. Reviews highlight its complexity and value. Decanter awarded it 92 points, noting its "serious side" and "complex nutty notes." Wine Enthusiast also gave it 92 points and an Editors' Choice, praising its "ripe, nuanced, and layered" fruit. Wine Spectator added 91 points.
