WINE – Willamette Valley Vineyards 2018 Elton Pinot Noir

In 2020 my focus was on Rhone Valley wines. In 2021 that focus shifted to Pinot Noir and especially (virtually) exploring the Willamette Valley in Oregon which I think is second only to Burgundy in the production of excellent Pinot Noir.

The Elton Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley Vineyards is a great example. While only in the bottle for two years after 16 months in French oak, 29% new oak, it has a deep intensity and very full body. WVV suggests that the peak drinkability will be 2026 but I suspect this wine could continue to age very well for a few years beyond that and I will lay a couple of bottles down to see.

I did a quick taste when I opened the bottle and then I decanted it and let it sit for 45 minutes. What a difference!! It had fully opened up and the initial aromas of cranberry and a little raspberry were expanded to include blackberry as the lead aroma. The secondary aromas were some cedar and anise. The initial taste had only a medium intensity with a rich ruby color but giving it a chance to fully open brought the intensity level up to deep with a rich nose. The acidity is medium. The decanting definitely softened the tannins and let the complexity develop in my mouth. That is what makes me think this could easily age for 10 years or longer. The body was medium plus and nicely rounded with a lovely long aftertaste.

The price from the WWV web site is $60 with discounts available for club members. I have not found any local sources for WWV wines in the DC area yet so buying from the vineyard may be the best way to get this excellent wine.

This is a single vineyard wine from 60 acres on the east/southeast slopes of the Eola Hills.

Note: This review is not totally unbiased. I own a few shares of preferred stock in WVV and get a 25% discount as a minority owner. Shares of the preferred stock are still available and if you would like a link to the web site to find out more about this, use my email from the Contact Me page to send you your email address and I will send that link to you.