The color of this wine is a beautiful blend of ruby and brick red. On the nose, this wine leads with big red fruit like ripe red cherry, plum, and raspberries intertwined with a subtle hint of earthiness. On the palate, dark Bing cherries take center stage, along with flavors of raspberry bramble. The fruit-forward flavors carry over to an enchanting mix of forest floor and wet river bed, which gives way to a hint of cherry pie on the finish.
This vintage delivers nice, strong acidity that enlivens the mouth and gives this wine excellent ageability. No detectable tannins provide a smooth, elegant finish that lingers softly. Though young, this Pinot Noir possesses great aging potential. Drink now, or lay down for 5-7 years.
The 2019 Pinot Noir is well suited for decanting, which will allow its complex flavors and nuances to fully unfold.
Vintage Notes
Famed Napa Valley winemaker Cathy Corison summed it up by saying “The 2019 growing season was blissfully unremarkable with a long, cool finish resulting in firm structure wrapped in juicy, complex fruit.” In farming, nothing beats a boring year. And 2019 was a boring year - no weather anomalies, no extremes, no fires, no surprises arrived in the Napa Valley in 2019.
The season began with abundant rainfall in the winter months. And then throughout spring and early summer, we received mostly breezy, sun-soaked afternoons marked by low humidity. As late summer arrived, we maintained relatively mild conditions, which allowed for extended hang time, preserving the fruit’s freshness and finesse. The Pinot Noir harvest commenced on September 19th, bringing a gentle conclusion to the season. The pick went smoothly, and we brought in a total of 16 tons of Pinot Noir – a perfectly average yield from our 8-acre vineyard. The quality of the fruit was outstanding, indicating a highly promising vintage.
Winemaker Notes
Harvest started on September 19, 2019. Grapes were delivered to the winery, de-stemmed, and pumped into stainless-steel tanks to begin a 14-day fermentation on skin and seeds. Wine is fermented dry and then pressed before being pumped into French Oak barrels to finish malolactic fermentation and begin aging. Wine is racked off of the lees three times over 12 months before being blended and bottled.
Food Pairings
Pairs well with cheeses like brie, gouda, gruyere, and chèvre. Serve with meats such as duck, lamb, and chicken. Vegetarians should try pairing this wine with eggplant parmesan, mushroom risotto, and a tomato-based vegetable stew. Very tasty with milk chocolate, and fruit or nut-based desserts, especially desserts that include blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or cherries.
Specs
Composition: 100% Estate-grown Pinot Noir
Clones: Pommard, Dijon 114 & 115, Swan, and “R” clone)
TA: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.6
Alcohol: 14.5%
Aging: 12 months French Oak barrels (neutral)
Production: 398
What’s Included
3-bottles:
3x 2019 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Case:
12x 2019 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir, Napa Valley
At Elkhorn Peak Cellars, everything begins at home. Our vineyard sits at the heart of a 28-acre organic farm in south Napa Valley, part of a working homestead our family has been building with love since 1983. We farm the old-fashioned way: by hand, with heart, and always with the future in mind. Our commitment to organic practices and biodiversity helps keep our soil, vines, and surrounding ecosystem healthy.
We’re a small, family-run operation—grown slowly and sustainably, without corporate influence. We built this business from the ground up, reinvesting season after season, guided by a deep respect for the land and a dedication to our craft. Every decision—from pruning to bottling—is made with care, intention, and pride in doing things the right way. Ken Nerlove, Founder/Grower, works alongside his daughter, Elise Nerlove, and a tight-knit crew of family and friends to run Elkhorn Peak Cellars.
We produce fewer than 1,000 cases a year and sell exclusively through our website and Wine Club to people who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection.
At Elkhorn Peak, we’re not just growing grapes—we’re growing a way of life that honors the land, feeds the community, and stands proudly apart from the corporate wine machine. We’re proud to stand with a small but mighty community of independent farmers who believe wine should be personal, not corporate.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
We’re thrilled to be here with our very first offer! I’m Elise, owner/grower/winemaker at Elkhorn Peak and I’m here to answer any and all of your questions.
Where are my Pinot Noir fans? Let’s talk cool-climate, hillside-grown Pinot!
@ElkhornPeak Welcome! I live in Oregon and love the forest funk we get here for the Pinots.How does yours compare? Casemates is an amazing community. Thanks for being involved in the conversations.
@danandlisa you’ll definitely pick up an earthy component in our Pinot Noirs. It comes through mid-palate and carries all the way through the finish. Our vineyard is gets a heavy maritime influence from proximity to the bay. I think that coastal, wet, foggy, type of environment where ferns and conifers thrive create that flavor profile in Pinot Noirs. I’m still getting to know OR Pinots, so I can’t confidently draw parallels yet, but I do see similarities in the climate where Pinot Noir thrives in OR, and where we grow Pinot Noir in south Napa. And thanks for the warm welcome, it’s nice to be here.
Tl;dr: I cannot appreciate this wine, and will not buy it.
I am not, or I should say, we are not fans of Pinot Noir. Do I have some? Yes, because I hope that my palate will someday evolve, and I will enjoy it.
Anyway; I was excited to get the Golden Ticket email, and thrilled when the single bottle box arrived. The box contained a single bottle, a very classy looking bottle, of Pinot Noir. The bottle was cool enough, and sat on the counter at about 75 degrees ‘til it was opened. Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 90 pts. @ $54…I was hopeful. I Coravined two small glasses and set the bottle aside. The wine was a little more opaque than I expected, and the first deep sniff burned of alcohol. Yes, the ABV was 14.5%, fairly high for a Pinot Noir. Beyond the alcohol I could detect some fruit, typical pinot fruit, red maybe? My wife, who is pretty good at guessing wines, blind, and I, who can’t, both took a big sip. Neither was impressed. Yes, the wine was smooth, had great mouthfeel and low acid, characteristics that we generally like, but… The flavor was muddy.
On day 2, I popped the cork, and we tried it again. Again, smooth, great mouthfeel, not old-world but not overly fruity. I didn’t pick up strawberry as expected, and I did get a tiny amount of citrus-pith bitterness. The wine was well-balanced across the palate, with a medium finish. Still, we didn’t like it. Suddenly, it occurred to me that the flavor was similar to what I get with CdP, GSM, Carmenere and Pinotage; all have a specific similar flavor that I just don’t like.
I went down to the cellar to find a Pinot Noir for comparison. The first one that I found was a 2015 Quell, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, @13.8% ABV. The Quell was lighter in color, thinner, more vibrant with that characteristic strawberry note, and didn’t have the alcohol burn. I’d drink it if I had to…
Day 3, much the same.
Is Pinot Noir in general, and this bottle in particular, just not to my (our) liking? Am I a hack wine taster; likely. Did I get a bad bottle? Can’t wait to read reviews from other, more sophisticated Rats.
@FritzCat Hey you gave it the good ol’ college try. One observation from your experience that sticks out is serving temperature. Ideal is probably somewhere in the 50f to 60f range. Maybe on that high end if this is a bigger style punot. A red that is too warm can indeed seem alcoholic. fwiw
@kaolis You are correct; I got the Quell out of the cellar, so it was closer to the 60 degree mark. Also, the Elkhorn had a slightly amber tint, which may be an indication of an abused/bad bottle. I hope there are other rats with more positive notes.
@FritzCat Hi there – thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review of our 2019 Elkhorn Peak Pinot Noir.
We completely understand that not every wine resonates with every palate, and it sounds like Pinot Noir, particularly the earthy, structured style we produce, might not be in your wheelhouse. That’s totally okay. Wine appreciation is such a personal journey.
I agree with @kaolis — at 75°F, the alcohol can definitely come across as “hotter” than it would at proper cellar temperature. Temperature has a big impact on how wine presents, from aromas to structure, so I do wonder how you might’ve experienced the wine if it had been cooler.
If you ever find yourself in Napa, I’d love to have you out for a tasting. I personally host all of them and would be happy to revisit our Pinot Noir with you. The style of our flagship Pinot Noir isn’t for everyone — especially if your preference leans toward lighter, brighter, fruit-forward Pinots — but who knows, maybe we’ll find one that surprises you. We do have many Pinot Noirs, and the younger vintages do present lighter and more fruity.
I really appreciate your open-mindedness in tasting it across several days and comparing it thoughtfully. And I’m genuinely looking forward to hearing what the other tasters have to say, too.
Thanks again for giving it a try — and for your honesty.
@ElkhornPeak@kaolis Thank you for the kind offer. However, my daughter lives in the Willamette valley, and I’m always hard-pressed to find a tasting experience that I truly enjoy there; Lodi or Amador County on the other hand…
@FritzCat there’s a lot to love about the wine and hospitality in Lodi and Amador, I totally get the appeal. Sorry to hear you haven’t found a tasting experience you’ve really connected with in Willamette or Napa.
The offer to visit us still stands. Our place is low-key and personal, none of the lavish BS you might be referencing. We’re a working ranch, just regular folks doing our best to keep the dream alive. You might be surprised by what you find.
Sounds like Casemates might’ve rolled the dice a bit by sending you a Napa Valley Pinot Noir if Pinot Noir and Napa Valley are not typically your thing. But hey, sometimes that’s how new favorites are found.
@FritzCat Thanks for the report!
When you say “tastes muddy” do you mean it tastes like mud or that the flavours are indistinct?
@ElkhornPeak this is one of the huge benefits of this site: the lab rat program. You don’t always get the glowing review that you want, but when you have somebody honest and detailed like @FritzCat then you get a fair shake. There should be another rat or two reporting today so we get more perspectives. And your graciousness in taking the review in stride is greatly appreciated.
And we might be driving by in the next couple weeks and if so, would love to taste!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2019 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir - $85 = 26.56%
@ElkhornPeak Your participation here is very much appreciated! The “Case Savings” that are posted on every offer compares the savings from the “smaller quantity” order (usually 2,3,4, or 6 bottles) compared to the larger (usually full case) amount. We do not use the “retail” or winery price in our calculations.
@Mark_L Thanks for the clarification as I get my footing here, and for the warm welcome too, I really appreciate it! I found my way to Casemates through a friend who’s had great success selling wine here and speaks very highly of the community. I’m excited to be a part of it!
@ElkhornPeak@Mark_L@Winedavid59
WD, why didn’t you tease Kent connection a bit more?!
Way long history with him to the early WW days;
and it’s been too long since we’ve seen an offer from him…
I love Pinot Noirs and was tempted to grab some from this offering, but I already have a very full cellar and quite a few Pinot noirs including the Gary Farrell offering and the Lobo Vineyards Wulf Pinots as well as some others. Just didn’t have the money available to Jump on this one this time around at this price point, but I’ll keep my eyes open for future offerings.
Love pintos. So tempted, but the wine storage is full. To get another box and store in the closet till space opens up or not… Hoping for another rat to get me an informed buy.
Haha, I know that “should I make room or risk the closet” dilemma all too well! Really appreciate you checking out our offer — and totally understand holding out for more Rat feedback. I know those reviews carry a lot of weight around here. If they do end up tipping the scales in our favor, I’d love for you to connect with me after the offer and share your thoughts. I’m always eager to hear from Pinot lovers and always open to winemaking feedback. Thank you for the consideration.
Living in Oregon and having lived in Northern California, we drink lots of Pinot. I am still on the fence. Bummed about the rattage. Really hope there’s a second one tomorrow.
I can see how that review might give folks pause—but it came from someone who admitted they’re not a Pinot Noir fan to begin with. If you’re on the fence, I’d love for you to try the wine and share your thoughts. This is the best price we’ve ever offered—it’s a great chance to experience it for yourself. Thanks for considering it, cheers.
2019 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir, Napa Valley
90 points, Wine Enthusiast
90 Points, Sommelier Challenge
Tasting Notes
Vintage Notes
Winemaker Notes
Food Pairings
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$648.00/Case for 12x 2019 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir, Napa Valley at Elkhorn Peak Cellars
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Aug 18 - Tuesday, Aug 19
2019 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir
3 bottles for $79.99 $26.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $234.99 $19.58/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
We’re thrilled to be here with our very first offer! I’m Elise, owner/grower/winemaker at Elkhorn Peak and I’m here to answer any and all of your questions.
Where are my Pinot Noir fans? Let’s talk cool-climate, hillside-grown Pinot!
@ElkhornPeak Welcome! I live in Oregon and love the forest funk we get here for the Pinots.How does yours compare? Casemates is an amazing community. Thanks for being involved in the conversations.
@danandlisa you’ll definitely pick up an earthy component in our Pinot Noirs. It comes through mid-palate and carries all the way through the finish. Our vineyard is gets a heavy maritime influence from proximity to the bay. I think that coastal, wet, foggy, type of environment where ferns and conifers thrive create that flavor profile in Pinot Noirs. I’m still getting to know OR Pinots, so I can’t confidently draw parallels yet, but I do see similarities in the climate where Pinot Noir thrives in OR, and where we grow Pinot Noir in south Napa. And thanks for the warm welcome, it’s nice to be here.
2019 Elkhorn Peak, Napa Valley Pinot Noir
Tl;dr: I cannot appreciate this wine, and will not buy it.
I am not, or I should say, we are not fans of Pinot Noir. Do I have some? Yes, because I hope that my palate will someday evolve, and I will enjoy it.
Anyway; I was excited to get the Golden Ticket email, and thrilled when the single bottle box arrived. The box contained a single bottle, a very classy looking bottle, of Pinot Noir. The bottle was cool enough, and sat on the counter at about 75 degrees ‘til it was opened. Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 90 pts. @ $54…I was hopeful. I Coravined two small glasses and set the bottle aside. The wine was a little more opaque than I expected, and the first deep sniff burned of alcohol. Yes, the ABV was 14.5%, fairly high for a Pinot Noir. Beyond the alcohol I could detect some fruit, typical pinot fruit, red maybe? My wife, who is pretty good at guessing wines, blind, and I, who can’t, both took a big sip. Neither was impressed. Yes, the wine was smooth, had great mouthfeel and low acid, characteristics that we generally like, but… The flavor was muddy.
On day 2, I popped the cork, and we tried it again. Again, smooth, great mouthfeel, not old-world but not overly fruity. I didn’t pick up strawberry as expected, and I did get a tiny amount of citrus-pith bitterness. The wine was well-balanced across the palate, with a medium finish. Still, we didn’t like it. Suddenly, it occurred to me that the flavor was similar to what I get with CdP, GSM, Carmenere and Pinotage; all have a specific similar flavor that I just don’t like.
I went down to the cellar to find a Pinot Noir for comparison. The first one that I found was a 2015 Quell, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, @13.8% ABV. The Quell was lighter in color, thinner, more vibrant with that characteristic strawberry note, and didn’t have the alcohol burn. I’d drink it if I had to…
Day 3, much the same.
Is Pinot Noir in general, and this bottle in particular, just not to my (our) liking? Am I a hack wine taster; likely. Did I get a bad bottle? Can’t wait to read reviews from other, more sophisticated Rats.
@FritzCat Hey you gave it the good ol’ college try. One observation from your experience that sticks out is serving temperature. Ideal is probably somewhere in the 50f to 60f range. Maybe on that high end if this is a bigger style punot. A red that is too warm can indeed seem alcoholic. fwiw
@kaolis You are correct; I got the Quell out of the cellar, so it was closer to the 60 degree mark. Also, the Elkhorn had a slightly amber tint, which may be an indication of an abused/bad bottle. I hope there are other rats with more positive notes.
@FritzCat Hi there – thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review of our 2019 Elkhorn Peak Pinot Noir.
We completely understand that not every wine resonates with every palate, and it sounds like Pinot Noir, particularly the earthy, structured style we produce, might not be in your wheelhouse. That’s totally okay. Wine appreciation is such a personal journey.
I agree with @kaolis — at 75°F, the alcohol can definitely come across as “hotter” than it would at proper cellar temperature. Temperature has a big impact on how wine presents, from aromas to structure, so I do wonder how you might’ve experienced the wine if it had been cooler.
If you ever find yourself in Napa, I’d love to have you out for a tasting. I personally host all of them and would be happy to revisit our Pinot Noir with you. The style of our flagship Pinot Noir isn’t for everyone — especially if your preference leans toward lighter, brighter, fruit-forward Pinots — but who knows, maybe we’ll find one that surprises you. We do have many Pinot Noirs, and the younger vintages do present lighter and more fruity.
I really appreciate your open-mindedness in tasting it across several days and comparing it thoughtfully. And I’m genuinely looking forward to hearing what the other tasters have to say, too.
Thanks again for giving it a try — and for your honesty.
@ElkhornPeak @kaolis Thank you for the kind offer. However, my daughter lives in the Willamette valley, and I’m always hard-pressed to find a tasting experience that I truly enjoy there; Lodi or Amador County on the other hand…
@FritzCat there’s a lot to love about the wine and hospitality in Lodi and Amador, I totally get the appeal. Sorry to hear you haven’t found a tasting experience you’ve really connected with in Willamette or Napa.
The offer to visit us still stands. Our place is low-key and personal, none of the lavish BS you might be referencing. We’re a working ranch, just regular folks doing our best to keep the dream alive. You might be surprised by what you find.
Sounds like Casemates might’ve rolled the dice a bit by sending you a Napa Valley Pinot Noir if Pinot Noir and Napa Valley are not typically your thing. But hey, sometimes that’s how new favorites are found.
@FritzCat Thanks for the report!
When you say “tastes muddy” do you mean it tastes like mud or that the flavours are indistinct?
@ElkhornPeak this is one of the huge benefits of this site: the lab rat program. You don’t always get the glowing review that you want, but when you have somebody honest and detailed like @FritzCat then you get a fair shake. There should be another rat or two reporting today so we get more perspectives. And your graciousness in taking the review in stride is greatly appreciated.
And we might be driving by in the next couple weeks and if so, would love to taste!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2019 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir - $85 = 26.56%
@Mark_L Looks like you’re saving 62%, or about $400, off the retail price when you grab a case on Casemates!
@ElkhornPeak Your participation here is very much appreciated! The “Case Savings” that are posted on every offer compares the savings from the “smaller quantity” order (usually 2,3,4, or 6 bottles) compared to the larger (usually full case) amount. We do not use the “retail” or winery price in our calculations.
@Mark_L Thanks for the clarification as I get my footing here, and for the warm welcome too, I really appreciate it! I found my way to Casemates through a friend who’s had great success selling wine here and speaks very highly of the community. I’m excited to be a part of it!
@ElkhornPeak @Mark_L thanks for joining us Elise! we are excited to have you.
@ElkhornPeak
Yeah, WD does press hard for a good value here for 'mates!
@ElkhornPeak @Mark_L @Winedavid59
WD, why didn’t you tease Kent connection a bit more?!
Way long history with him to the early WW days;
and it’s been too long since we’ve seen an offer from him…
I love Pinot Noirs and was tempted to grab some from this offering, but I already have a very full cellar and quite a few Pinot noirs including the Gary Farrell offering and the Lobo Vineyards Wulf Pinots as well as some others. Just didn’t have the money available to Jump on this one this time around at this price point, but I’ll keep my eyes open for future offerings.
@user33071884 thanks, and that’s totally understandable. We hope to be back with future offers, and would love for you to join in next time.
Love pintos. So tempted, but the wine storage is full. To get another box and store in the closet till space opens up or not… Hoping for another rat to get me an informed buy.
@matthewstep
Haha, I know that “should I make room or risk the closet” dilemma all too well! Really appreciate you checking out our offer — and totally understand holding out for more Rat feedback. I know those reviews carry a lot of weight around here. If they do end up tipping the scales in our favor, I’d love for you to connect with me after the offer and share your thoughts. I’m always eager to hear from Pinot lovers and always open to winemaking feedback. Thank you for the consideration.
Living in Oregon and having lived in Northern California, we drink lots of Pinot. I am still on the fence. Bummed about the rattage. Really hope there’s a second one tomorrow.
@sillyheathen
I can see how that review might give folks pause—but it came from someone who admitted they’re not a Pinot Noir fan to begin with. If you’re on the fence, I’d love for you to try the wine and share your thoughts. This is the best price we’ve ever offered—it’s a great chance to experience it for yourself. Thanks for considering it, cheers.
@ElkhornPeak
Kent Rasmussen you say!
I’ve got nearly 9 cases dating from '86 from him in the cellar.
Ok, Rat be dammed; I’m in.
tepid-unvarying-roadrunner