Aromas of ripe plum, raspberries, and a hint of pomegranate tart on the nose. The palate is earthy, with black cherry and ripe strawberry. Beautiful spice and vanilla oak round out the palate to a delicious lingering richness. Well balanced with a silky finish.
We've grown Pinot Noir for 40 years and this vintage beautifully reflects our farming philosophy and the micro-climate of our South Napa location.
–Tasting Notes by Elise Nerlove Rutchick, Assistant Winemaker
Food Pairing Suggestions
The earthiness and red fruit in this wine pair brilliantly with blue cheese - an unusual pairing but we promise it's worth a try! Also serve with main dishes such as eggplant parmesan, mushroom risotto, duck, lamb and chicken. Very tasty with milk chocolate and blue fruit-based desserts.
Composition
100% Estate Grown Pinot Noir
Clones: Pommard, Dijon 144 & 155, Swan and “R”
Production
450 cases
Alcohol
14.5%
Aging Potential
Ready to drink now or lay down for up to 5 years
Vineyard
Elkhorn Peak Cellars Estate Vineyard in Jamieson Canyon, South Napa Valley
About The Vineyard
Elkhorn Peak makes wine from two estate vineyards. The first vineyard is 10-acres, and sits at 380 feet above sea level. This vineyard, planted in 1983, was the first vineyard planted in Jamieson Canyon. Five different clones (types) of Pinot Noir are planted in this vineyard. The vines are all cordon trained with vertical shoot positioning and are all drop irrigated.
In 1997, Ken purchased a neighboring plot, planted an additional 10-acres of Pinot Noir, and named this vineyard “Vineyard 38” after his 1938 Chevy. In May of 2019 Vineyard 38 was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Elkhorn Peak Cellars expects to release their first Cabernet Sauvignon in 2025.
Both vineyards have South facing views of the San Pablo Bay and San Francisco Bay. The elevation and proximity to San Pablo Bay bring early morning fog and beautiful afternoon sun; there is no concern of frost. The heavy influences from the marine environment allow delicate Pinot Noir grapes to flourish, making this small pocket in South Napa is an ideal area to grow world class Pinot Noir grapes.
As growers, we concentrate on healthy vine development over high yield crops. The delicate vineyard tasks of pruning, canopy management and harvesting are all done by hand – never machines. Our goal is to establish well-developed vines that will produce fruit of the highest quality on a consistent basis. With production levels at two tons per acre, the focus is on quality over quantity – always.
Elkhorn Peak is named after the Elkhorn Peak Mountain. At 1336′ Elkhorn Peak is the tallest mountain in Jamieson Canyon and is located directly behind our vineyards.
“The name of the mountain, as told to me by the ‘old timers,’ came from Elks being common to this beautiful mountain range many years ago.” -Ken, Grower/Owner
Winemaker Notes
14 day fermentation on skin and seeds
Aging: 12 months in neutral French Oak
