2014 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Gris Willamette Valley

2014 Elk Cove Pinot Gris: 92pt Harvest Paella and Top-Rated Under-$20 American White of the Year

In 1974, Pat and Joe Campbell pulled onto a winding gravel road. At the top of the hill, they discovered an overgrown homestead in the foothills of the Coast Range Mountains.

Over a harvest paella lunch in Yamhill-Carlton, Pat laughed as she recalled the question raised by her six-year-old daughter Eartha: “Where’s the house?”

“Behind us,” Joe answered, referring to the trailer that would be the family’s home for the next year.

The Campbells had chosen the property for its shallow, well-draining soils, steep hillside terrain, and panoramic views of the Willamette Valley. In the winter of 1974, a herd of 40 Roosevelt elk bedded down in the clearing by the Campbells’ trailer. Recognizing that their property belonged as much to the elk as it did to the family, Pat and Joe were inspired to name the vineyard they would soon plant “Elk Cove.”

True to Oregon’s pioneer spirit, the family worked to convert the old homesteader’s barn into a winery over the course of the next year, and then built what the kids called a “real” house out of reclaimed wood.

In 1995, Adam Campbell joined his parents at Elk Cove, working at Joe’s side in the cellar and the vineyards. As we trekked the vines on September 21st, plucking sweet Pinot Noir berries from vines that would be harvested later that week, Adam, one of Oregon’s most revered winemakers, showed off the brilliance and self-effacing charm that has made Elk Cove one of the most critically acclaimed estates in Oregon.

Then it was on to the paella “staff lunch,” a vertical tasting of single-plot Pinot Noir — and two bottles of what may well be the most delicious under-$20 American white we’ve tasted all year.

When it’s just right, Pinot Gris has the weight of great Chardonnay, the high-toned crispness of fine Riesling, and a spiciness that’s almost reminiscent of dry Gewürztraminer. The problem with Pinot Gris? It’s rarely right.

In the sensational 2014 vintage, Adam Campbell got it just right.

This 2014 Elk Cove Pinot Gris is pale gold in hue. Piercing aromas of white peach, pear, and honeysuckle, spicy and penetrating. Rich, juicy, and plush on the attack, filled with a mouthwatering mix of ripe citrus, honey, sweet apple, and orange rind. Gently touched with sweetness, finishing with superb acid cut and tension.

92 points from Wine Enthusiast. As fine and complex as American white wine ever gets at under $20. This is a CASE BUY, to be consumed over the next 2-3 years. Shipping included on 6.

• ABV 13.00%
• Enjoy right away
• % Pinot Grigio