Elk Cove Vineyards 2012 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $100
The Campbell family strictly adheres to the definition of a “reserve” program with this marvelous example of the historic 2012 vintage. Second-generation winemaker Adam Campbell doesn’t develop his Reserve every year, and he works with less 1 percent of his lots for this, which he compares to Elk Cove’s work from 1994 and 1998. The final cut represents the best barrels from Clay Court, Mount Richmond and Windhill in addition to single barrels from La Bohème, Roosevelt and venerable Elk Cove Estate Vineyard. It’s not shy in terms of French oak, starting with an elegant hint of cinnamon bark in the nose that’s joined by Marionberry, fresh cranberry and blueberry. There’s less of the 50 percent new barrel program showing on the palate which broadens with pomegranate, cranberry sauce and blueberry jam flavors, mixing with easy tannins and a finish of cinnamon powder. It’s built to last beyond two decades, so there’s no reason to rush into this.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 171 cases
Alcohol: 14%
Had to think out the math problem… We can’t thank you enough.