From Elk Cove Winery comes a new sister label named Pike Road. The namesake road is literal and meanders around hazelnut groves, decorative tree farms, and of course vines owned by the Campbell family.
The Campbells have farmed in Oregon for 5 generations and have been part of the wine industry for four decades. I met Elk Cove’s founder, Mr. Joe Campbell at a lunch recently. He told a “back in the day” story when they worked with a primitive 50 year old electric forklift that they could only use inside and pressed 200 tons through a press that could handle only 1 ton at a time. They were old school.
Elk Cove is now a big winery by Oregon’s standards and one of the few Oregon producers who distribute part of their label all over the country. If you know and like them, be on the lookout for the Pike Road label. If you haven’t tried any of their wines, this is a good place to start. It is hard to find good Pinot Noir, especially good Oregon Pinot Noir, for $20. Add that both wines are handpicked Willamette Valley fruit, mostly from estate vineyards, and you just got a hell of a deal.
2014 Pike Road Pinot Noir; Suggested Retail $20
Concentrated black raspberry with pronounced oak makes this wine smell like something you just want to drink. It won’t make you cry from complexity but it also won’t make you cry from bankruptcy. Soft tannins and an easy to drink style will make this wine welcome at your table often. Drink, enjoy, repeat.
2015 Pike Road Pinot Gris, Suggested Retail $16
Fruit forward, but the crisper fruits of a Pinot Grigio style wine – citrus and pear. Mineral notes, refreshing acidity, and a clean finish. A good pairing for garden green salads and creamy cheeses with a bit of salinity – think brie or St. Andre.
Samples provided. All opinions are my own.
Leave a Reply