2021 Pinot Noir, Mount Richmond Vineyard

From Winemaker, John Abbott:

Pinot Noir is especially expressive between the various clones and vineyard sites, and this wine, in comparison with our Freedom Hill Pinot Noir, is a wonderful example. Both of our Pinots are predominantly the Pommard clone and produced similarly, so the difference in the two wines is really a great example of the uniqueness of the two vineyards and the differences in the viticultural areas.

This iconic vineyard is special to us because it is an estate vineyard for the winery Elk Cove Vineyards. This often makes a difference in the approach to farming. Because they also work with the fruit, there is a special connection between the farming and what makes the very best possible quality in the winery. This vineyard is managed carefully by a crew of especially talented people, who also make amazing wines. We are fortunate to be one of the few wineries that has access to this fruit.

The 2021 vintage was about as perfect as it could be in Oregon. It wasn’t too hot, there wasn’t a layer of smoke, and a little rain came early in the fall, but it didn’t materialize into a full fall pattern until the fruit was in the door. The weather allowed for long hang-time and beautiful flavor maturity with moderate sugars.

This wine is generous with ripe mountain blackberries, fresh Italian plums, and in general, a deeper, darker flavor profile. Sultry floral notes of lilacs and crushed violets blend with black cherries and cream, saddle leather, and a tick of cigar box spice. This is an exceptional vintage.