Elk Cove 2006 Pinot Noir
What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD)
Lately, it seems a new wave of 2006 Oregon pinot noirs have been hitting the retail shelves, providing a nice assortment of wines to try with dinner. I suspect this may be due to the fact that the 2007 vintage is entering the channel, as many wineries need to make room for the upcoming 2008 harvest.
I picked up a bottle of the Elk Cove 2006 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley at Metropolitan Market recently, where it retailed for $29.99. We paired this pinot with grilled beef kebabs that included red onions and bell peppers. Kari sliced a few fresh heirloom tomatoes which were dressed with olive oil and vinegar. A quick rice pilaf on the stove top completed the meal.
On the eyes, the Elk Cove had a medium red color. On the nose, this pinot noir offered strawberry and raspberry notes with a bit of earthiness to it. On the palate, there was a big splash of cherry fruit ending in a hot finish due to the high alcohol (14.5%).
Kari's first comment after the initial sip was focused on the heat. I noticed this too, which was unfortunate considering what this wine promised on the nose. We tasted the Elk Cover the next day and found it to taste similar to the night before, but with a concentration that was just too much for us.
Unfortunately for Kari and I, the Elk Cove Willamette Valley was just not our style in Oregon pinot noir. But it's clearly a style of wine that is favored by the likes of Wine Spectator and Wine & Spirits magazines, as evidenced by the list of points and reviews Elk Cove features on their web site homepage.
Seeing the 90+ points awarded the complete '06 line up of Elk Cove wines with descriptions such as "rich", "ripe", "sweet", and even "gritty" suggest these are all full-bodied pinots, which to no surprise would show well in blind tastings. After pairing the Elk Cove 2006 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with two different meals on back-to-back evenings, I would not suggest this is a food-friendly wine in the style that other Oregon pinots afford.
Stay tuned for posts on those wines later in the week...
Comments
Oh, my gosh. I just had a bottle of this, this past Saturday night with friends, and we were all WOWed by the flavors. We definitley got the rich, ripe and smooth. We all thought it was an absolutly yummy wine, and actually just tried it in a flight of pinots at my local wine bar this evening - and I liked it just as well. Was terrific with food, actually had it with crab legs on Sat, but with beef tonight - both outstanding. I say - buy it - and savor it!
Posted by: Kathy | September 4, 2008 07:21 PM
Thanks Kathy for sharing your experiences with this wine. Just goes to show that wine is subjective. Although the Elk Cove was not my style, I am glad to hear you enjoyed it.
Posted by: Thad | September 5, 2008 06:26 AM