Winemaker Notes
The Willamette Valley has the perfect climate for this delicate cool weather white wine. Elk Cove has enough sunlight and warmth for ripening, but their cool evenings help retain varietal character and prevent over-ripening. They whole-cluster press their Pinot Gris grapes, then ferment the juice at very cool temperatures in small stainless steel tanks. This gentle treatment protects the aromatic qualities and enhances the natural richness of the Pinot Gris grapes, creating their most popular white wine.
Professional Ratings
92Decanter
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.
92Wine Enthusiast
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.
91Wine Spectator
A white with verve and vibrancy, this features accents of orange blossoms, nectarine and cantaloupe that sail on the finish.