Thirty years ago, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir was still proving itself. Today it stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s great regions, and Elk Cove Vineyards remains one of the estates that defines the category. Founded in the early 1970s by Pat and Joe Campbell, Elk Cove has evolved from a pioneering family operation into a benchmark producer, now led by second-generation winemaker Adam Campbell.

The 2022 “Mount Richmond” comes from the heart of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, from Elk Cove’s largest vineyard holding, over 200 acres of rolling hills planted on classic Willakenzie soils. These marine sediment soils naturally restrict yields and produce small, concentrated berries. Sitting at 300 to 500 feet in elevation, the site ripens earlier than many of Elk Cove’s vineyards, a key advantage in a challenging vintage like 2022. High-density plantings and a thoughtful mix of old vine Pommard and Dijon clones 115 and 777 bring both depth and aromatic lift to the final blend.

In the cellar, the approach is precise and deliberate. Fruit is fermented in small, temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with twice daily hand punch-downs, then aged for 10 months in French oak. Only the barrels that best capture the Mount Richmond profile are selected, resulting in a wine that is both powerful and polished.

This is a wild, richly structured Pinot Noir that leans into a darker, more expansive profile. Aromas of blackberry bramble, dusty baking spice, and graham cracker rise from the glass. The palate follows with layered flavors of berry pie, candied orange peel, oolong tea, and cedar box. There is a lushness here, but it is framed by bright acidity and the firm, mineral-driven structure that defines the Yamhill-Carlton AVA.

The 2022 vintage brought real challenges, from a cold, wet spring to a hot and dry summer, but a timely cool down allowed for balance and precision at harvest. The result is a wine that captures both the generosity of the season and the underlying structure of the site.

For those who appreciate a more muscular, deeply flavored expression of Pinot Noir, this delivers in a big way while still staying true to its Oregon roots. Give it a short decant if opening now, or cellar for the next 8 to 10 years as its savory, earthy complexity continues to develop.

Critical Acclaim

93 Points - Robert Parker

“The 2022 Pinot Noir Mount Richmond, from marine sedimentary soils, has deep scents of raspberry and blackberry preserves, rose petals, mushrooms, aniseed and earth. The light-bodied palate features perfumed, spicy berry fruit. It has a silky texture, fireworks of fresh acidity and a long, nuanced finish.”– Erin Brooks

94 Points - Wine Spectator

“Rich yet graceful and well-knit, with lilting flavors of raspberry and blackberry that take on clove and tobacco accents as this builds structure and polish toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032.” – Tim Fish, Senior Editor

Why You’ll Love It

• A richer, more structured take on Oregon Pinot Noir that still delivers balance and site-driven character.
• Mount Richmond’s Willakenzie soils bring depth, dark fruit, and a subtle mineral backbone.
• A thoughtful blend of Pommard and Dijon clones adds both plush texture and aromatic complexity.

How To Serve It

• Decant for 20 to 30 minutes to let the darker fruit and spice notes.
• Serve slightly cool, around 58 to 62°F.
• Pair with duck, roast chicken, pork loin, or mushroom-driven dishes.