Elk Cove Pinot noir Windhill 04 375 ml: Wine Spectator 90 points: "Smooth and round, with a peppery note swirling around the Syrah-like blackberry flavors, lingering on the refined finish. Drink now through 2010." - H.S.
Not currently available to order.
May be out of stock or sold out. Inquire at 541-752-7418 or store@avalonwine.com
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
From the winery:
Windhill Vineyard, twenty miles west of Portland, is perennially one of Oregon's finest Pinot Noir vineyards. Planted in 1974, the vineyard became part of Elk Cove's portfolio in 1996 when Elk Cove purchased it. We have continued to produce limited production Single Vineyard designated wines from Windhill Vineyard since 1979! Temperate winds that blow across the vineyard's gentle south-facing slopes and a lower elevation (500 feet) situation than the estate vineyards at Elk Cove, allows for earlier ripening. The combination of super low yields, volcanic soils (Laurelwood) and great plant material (old vines - own rooted Pommard clone) are all essential elements for the finest Pinot Noir from this site in Western Oregon. Furthering our belief in sustainability, Windhill has been farmed with completely organic farming practices since 1999.
Happily, 2004 has the potential to be an excellent vintage! Though production will be limited because yields were down by 20-50%. Around the state we experienced a phenomenon the French call coulure ~ unsettled weather during flowering, resulting in poor fruit set. This cold Spring weather naturally lowered crop sizes and then early Fall rains challenged picking. Yet, low yields do not indicate a loss of quality and extended warmth in late September produced healthy, balanced, and concentrated fruit. In addition, Elk Cove manages some of the highest elevation sites in the state, which typically results in an extended harvest. Late September's warmth extended harvest into late October, and ensured grapes of true maturity, offering the potential for ripeness and complexity without exaggerated alcohol levels. Fans of more elegant Pinot Noir will be pleased. Winemaker Adam Godlee Campbell reports "we have loose clusters and more concentrated flavors. This is a good year for us." 2004 promises to be a long-lived vintage with beautiful wines!
