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.
@ElkhornPeak the video posted here on your new Cab planting and bottling makes me want to try that Cab! I hope you come back here with the Cab offering.
Thank you @TimW. Farming and making Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley definitely keeps me on my toes—it’s a completely different beast than Pinot Noir in every way imaginable. Our first vintage was in 2021, so we’re still pretty new to it. I’ll talk to my Dad and see what he thinks of bringing it to Casemates for a run. Thank you for the interest!
@kaolis@TimW For the Pinot Noir 5-7 years is what we recommend. That said, we have a nice library, and every once and a while I’ll pull a 2011 Pinot Noir off the shelf and it’s a real treat. And we actually did a promo recently for really stuff – dating back to the 90s, and with some time in the decanter, that was also a really fun adventure.
@rjquillin@TimW I actually haven’t had any of Kent’s Cabernets, but he did steer us toward a less extracted, lower-tannin, lower-alcohol style, something he says is more reminiscent of how Napa Cabs used to be.
We also just released our first vintage of Cab Franc: the 2022. It was a tiny pet project of mine. We’ve only got 10 rows of it, so we were able to make just about 40 cases. Kent hasn’t tasted it yet, but with all this talk about his talent, I’m thinking it’s time I dropped off a bottle for him!
@ElkhornPeak@rjquillin@TimW Cool climate Cab Franc?? Oy…maybe I really do need to figure out how to stop by when we’re driving through the region in a week or two.
Elise, what’s the best way to get in touch?
@klezman@rjquillin@TimW You can email me at info@elkhornpeak.com or call me 707-255-0504. Please book a tasting ahead of time, I’m looking forward to meeting you in a week or two!
@klezman@rjquillin@TimW Not a Pinot Blanc — that’s a different grape entirely (a genetic mutation of Pinot Noir). This is a White Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir fruit, pressed directly to avoid extracting color. It’s barrel fermented and goes through full malolactic — and it’s lovely.
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!
@FritzCat@klezman@losthighwayz I’m right there with you, I love a Pinot with a bit of forest floor. I think it gives the wine some grounding qualities, a bit of muscle, and makes it feel a little less ethereal.
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…
@klezman@Mark_L@rjquillin@Winedavid59 Wow, I love seeing how much love Kent gets on this site, it’s so well deserved. He’s an incredible winemaker and an even better human.
You’ve probably read the other comments explaining our connection, but I wanted to take the opportunity to share one of my favorite “Kent the mentor” stories. As I mentioned, 2019 was the first vintage Kent mentored me on, and we walked the Elkhorn Peak vineyard together a few times that summer.
As a young winemaker, I soaked up every bit of advice he shared. One tip that really stuck with me was about calling pick dates: “Look at the seeds,” he said. “You want them mostly brown. Not 100%, but about 80–90%. And check the pulp. If it looks like frog eggs, it’s underripe. Delay the pick date until there are no frog eggs.”
If that means the sugars creep up a bit, he said that’s okay, he assured me that we need the ripe red fruit flavors to be there. To this day, when I’m tasting fruit in the vineyard and I spot those “frog eggs,” in the pulp, I wait. It’s such a weird association, but it really sticks with you and he was spot on. The 2019 sugar panels came in right at 24 Brix. They jumped up a bit after the cold soak, which explains the alcohol being just a little high, but there’s no green flavors in this wine, and it really shows complex layers of red fruit and the earthy components, while holding onto nice acidity…Just another testament to Kent’s wisdom.
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.
@ElkhornPeak We actually have family visiting soon so that is more than likely to make a dent! There will be space by the time it arrives. Look forward to trying it and hopefully making it up for a tasting when in Napa next time.
@ElkhornPeak Just got the wine. Fantastic! We paired it with a home made mushroom pizza and was fantastic. Really hope we can make it up from SF sooner rather than later.
@matthewstep wow, thank you so much for coming back to share your thoughts on the wine. I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the Pinot- Pinot Noir and pizza is always a great idea. I’m looking forward to meeting you next time you’re in Napa!
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.
That’s awesome! Yes—Kent Rasmussen has been our consulting winemaker from the very beginning. Fun fact: back in the early ’90s, he brought over budwood from a vineyard that was once used in Mondavi’s high-end Pinot program. If you check out the tech sheet, you’ll see this wine includes the “R” clone Pinot Noir—‘R’ for Rasmussen. It’s a little inside joke between Kent and my dad.
Kent likes to remind me that in the ’70s and ’80s, no one really talked about clones—but this particular budwood comes from one of his most cherished Napa vineyard sites. These days, Kent is more like family. He’s been an incredible mentor to me as a young winemaker, always there with advice and support for all our wine projects. A fantastic human all around, and an incredible winemaker. I didn’t realize to mention his connection to Elkhorn Peak. I really appreciate the leap of faith in our Pinot Noir release, thank you so much. Please do share your thoughts on the wine once you taste it; I’d truly love to hear them. And if you happen to have any old bottles or photos of Kent’s wines, I’d love to show him, I’m sure he’d get a kick out of it, and I’d love to let him know we connected on Casemates.
It was just a brief mention in one of our videos—yes, Kent Rasmussen has been our consulting winemaker since 1983. He was actually the one who convinced my dad to start making wine from our fruit. Before Kent came along, we were just growers, selling grapes to other wineries.
The 2019 vintage was the first one Kent and I worked on together, which makes it a special one for me. He’s truly my favorite person to share a glass with—so down to earth and thoughtful about wine.
I didn’t know he had such a fan following on casemates or I would have made more of a mention earlier on. I’m so glad @rjquillin took the time to watch the video and call it out – thank you!
I looked back at my 2019 harvest notes and pulled a few details… Brix after cold soak came in at 24.8, which explains why the alcohol ended up a bit higher than intended. We don’t water back—that’s a house rule—so it is what it is.
TA is 5.7, and pH is 3.57. This wine is bone dry, no RS. This vintage is a blend of the clones: dijon, swan, “R”, and Pommard.
We fermented with RC212, and once things got going, we did pumpovers twice a day—late morning and again in the afternoon. My notes show that we ran into some sulfite issues with the Dijon clones (Kent warned me we always do with those), and while I’m still not entirely sure why—might be a clone-specific thing—it was definitely something I kept an eye on throughout fermentation.
We actually pulled that clone this year and likely won’t be working with the Dijon clones going forward. Pommard is one of my favorites to work with, and funny enough, Kent’s “R” clone has never given us any trouble during fermentation. It’s kind of a unicorn Pinot Noir clone—reliable, balanced, and even after 30+ years in the ground, it still gives us great yields.
@klezman@rjquillin That’s correct. We generally don’t ferment clones separately anymore because we almost always end up blending them all together anyway. And at my custom crush facility, the larger tanks have really precise glycol jackets…plus it saves a TON of time with pump-overs. I also have a theory that blended ferments are healthier than homogenous ones. The issues we sometimes see when fermenting a single clone on its own just don’t seem to come up when everything’s co-fermented.
That said, we do occasionally bottle a clonal-specific Pinot if one clone ripens a lot faster than the others or out of curiosity. In 2020, we did a limited run with the Pommard clone Pinot Noir: 50 cases. It was a little side project I spearheaded, and we offered it to our wine club members. We’re down to the last 9-ish cases now, it’s been out for a while, so if you’re interested in a bottle, I’d be happy to extend it to you—no wine club commitment required.
@klezman@rjquillin no whole cluster actually! Kent is heavily against it, so we steer clear of any whole cluster. Our soil is marginal, so the fruit we grow is small but mighty; I think whole cluster might be a little overpowering.
@ElkhornPeak@rjquillin I think I’m learning more about Kent’s philosophy from you than from our tastings with him! On one of our Wine Woot Tours we had a phenomenal tasting where he pulled bottles going all the way back to his first vintage. Phenomenal.
@ElkhornPeak@klezman
How many you want?
I think only two or three are currently spoken for, other than what I’d like to end up with, that originally was only three.
@ElkhornPeak@rjquillin thanks to CellarTracker’s new AI features (ask questions about your cellar), I realized that I have some 2019 Kent Rasmussen Pinot Noir Carneros (https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/4297373). Might be interesting to compare it to the Elkhorn once the Elkhorn is delivered.
@ElkhornPeak@rjquillin@TimW IIRC, I was a rat for that offer, but I think I had the Cab. The Pinot is almost old enough that I’m thinking of opening one soon. Still have some KR 2006 and 2007 that I’m waiting to open my last bottles.
@klezman@rjquillin@TimW that link to Kent’s offer is amazing, thank you so much for sharing it with me! Fun to see that he listed the 2019 Pinot Noir from our vineyard! Might be fun to do a side by side for anyone who has both of our wines. We harvested the same night for both wines. He only used his clone for his label, so his is a clonal designate whereas our 2019 is a blend of 5 clones. And it was so nice that he gave us credit by name and also called our vineyard A-1….he’s truly an incredible example of a good egg in this industry. Not pretentious or egotistical— just a really nice guy who aims to lift up as many people as he can. I believe the 2019 Pinot Noir was Kent’s last vintage of Pinot Noir ever. Special bottle!
@rjquillin@TimW yes! That sounds like a great idea. I absolutely LOVE Kent’s description of our vineyard in the CM offer. “If grapes had eyes…” how poetic is that?!
@ElkhornPeak@klezman@TimW
This begs another question you hopefully can answer.
Just what were the percentages from the various vineyards used in your final blend or ferment?
@ElkhornPeak@rjquillin@TimW I just reread that. The cab was excellent. I haven’t opened up any of my bottles from that offer yet so I should be able to swing a side by side.
Also that was exactly two years ago!
@Kyeh that’s very kind, thank you. The name Elkhorn Peak comes from the mountain range where we grow our fruit. There are no elk there today, but I’ve heard that it was fairly common to see them grazing along the ridgeline back in the day.
In for a case! Like I said above, I love supporting small family wineries, and Casemates is a unique community that brings them literally to my door.
/giphy indefatigable-stimulating-locust
@TimW thank you so much for the support! These are tough times for small producers; we’re trying new things and working hard to promote ourselves, and it means a lot to have the support. I’d love to hear what you think of the wine once your case arrives! And if you ever make it out to Napa, I’d be thrilled to host you for a vineyard tour and tasting, and show you around our little corner of the world.
I’m so grateful to those of you who are in for our very first Casemates offer—thank you! I genuinely look forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback on the wines. Just in case it’s hard to find, here’s my contact info: you can reach me directly at info@elkhornpeak.com or call 707-255-0504.
I wear a lot of hats around here—I make the wine, host the guests, run the wine club, do the marketing, and yep, I’m also the one answering the phone and emails!
If any Casemates find themselves in Napa, I’d love to pour you a glass and show you around our vineyard. Tastings are by appointment—not because we’re fancy, but because we’re often out and about taking care of business. I look forward to meeting new friends down the road. Thanks again.
@rjquillin Wow, thank you so much! I’m grateful to be here. I just discovered casemates back in June, and got on the schedule as soon as I could. I hope to be invited back for more offers in the future.
That WE review…
90 points. Smooth and easy, this well-modulated wine offers baked plums and dark spices, along with a well-rounded texture that melts in the mouth. — Jim Gordon 12/31/23
@kaolis Thank you for sharing this! And yes, we’ve been participating in Berserker Day for a few years now, it’s been a really fun opportunity to do some unique offerings. I’m a big fan of the website, I actually started a berserker thread to get info on White Pinot Noir. The info I got there helped inspire me to make my own! We just bottled our first vintage of WPN, 47 cases, likely releasing in spring 2026.
@ElkhornPeak Elise. I couldn’t pull the trigger for VinDependence Day but now I get a second chance to try your Pinot. I also hope to try your Chardonnay in the future. Your winery is on my list next time I’m in Napa.
I’m so happy to hear that! I had no idea there was so much crossover between WB and CM, but I should’ve guessed—this really is such a small and tight-knit wine community. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Pinot once you taste it.
I’m sure you’ve seen the reviews, but just a heads up: it’s a fuller-bodied style of Pinot Noir. That said, I’m planning to experiment with a lighter style this year, targeting around 13% ABV, since I think that’s where a lot of wine drinkers’ palates are trending. It won’t replace our flagship style, but we’ll release it and see how it’s received through our wine club…we’re always trying new things and our wine club members are an incredible sounding board.
As for the Chardonnay, the 2021 vintage may be our last for a while. We don’t grow Chardonnay on the property, so we’ve historically sourced fruit from Carneros. But after discovering White Pinot Noir a couple years ago, everyone got curious, and we just bottled our inaugural vintage last month! It was barrel fermented and aged, went through full ML, and I actually shaped a lot of the winemaking decisions based on feedback from a White Pinot thread I started on WB.
I’m really excited about this new white wine, it’s a fun direction for us. I’d love to pour you a pre-release taste when you make it out for a visit!
I suspect the lack of sales is due to the lab rat report. I wish every offer had at least three rats so one can compare notes and make an informed decision. We love Pinots here but gravitate towards lighter and brighter style of Pinot Noir which is why I’m not pulling the trigger this time around but will certainly keep an eye out for the white PN and the lighter version this coming vintage
@losthighwayz Thanks for the insight on palates and preferences around here, that’ll definitely help guide what I offer next time.
As for the WPN and the lighter Pinot Noir styles, those are super limited runs (around 50 cases each), so they likely won’t make it onto Casemates. But if you’re really interested, I’d love to have you on our mailing list so you can be the first to know when they’re released.
You can sign up via the form in the footer at elkhornpeak.com, and as a bonus, you’ll get a coupon code that never expires!
Sorry, in a way, to be so late with my Lab Rat review, but I think you will see that it doesn’t make any real difference. Pinot Noir is not my favorite grape. It, along with Carmenere, are the two varieties that I just don’t drink. These two varieties contain something that just doesn’t go with my palate.
So, what to do?
The Elkhorn Peak Pinot Noir looks nice. The bottle is stylish, with a handsome label. It’s a deep color, not a rosy red. The nose, well I can’t say-- I have a bit of a cold and my nose is stuffy.
But I just don’t like it. It appears to be a fine wine, but that’s the best I can say for it.
@DickL@ElkhornPeak Eek, this is a rare strike-out for rats not caused by delivery delays. And not by the wine! By strike-out it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with the wine, but not to the taster’s tastes. We have had similar issues with things like white wines going to people who say I hate white wines and never drink them!
Sometimes we are lucky and people bring in friends or family members to at least broaden the pool.
As a PN drinker who enjoys the good Oregon “taste the dirt it grew in” style, I can imagine this disconnect of tasting. Also most people expect the cheap Jolly-rancher thin red PN, which I find disgusting.
@pmarin I’d love to share a glass of Pinot Noir with you someday, you’re absolutely speaking my language. Even with limited characters, I can tell we’re like-minded. Thank you for the kind words.
I have to admit, I’m a bit at a loss… my sample went to two people who openly said they don’t like Pinot Noir. How’s a girl supposed to get a fair shot at a review?
@DickL I appreciate your light touch with the dismay, thank you for not ripping me to pieces! I’m a fairly thick skinned person, but I still have feelings. I’m you were sent a varietal you don’t care for…that would bum me out if I were in your shoes! If you ever make it out to Napa, I’d love to have you visit us. We have plenty of other wines to try - whites, sparkling, Cabs, Roses - I feel like we could find something you’d enjoy, and I’d welcome the chance to redeem the experience in person.
Not sure if you saw in the other comments, but I personally host all our tastings, they usually include a vineyard walk and a little hands-on vineyard fun. It’s casual, educational, and hopefully a good time all around.
@DickL@ElkhornPeak it’s a weird world, they only give you 5 minutes (I think) to edit. Beyond that, super-humans called mods if they are awake and sober (unlikely) can sometimes edit later to fix mistakes.
@DickL@ElkhornPeak@pmarin
tip: After you post, and before the 5 minute window closes, “edit” your post will extend that timer until you “Say it”, but once you close that edit, you’re done…
@DickL this is a crappy report and in all honesty you should consider removing your name from the program. It comes across as selfish and it is detrimental to the winery and the community
Only two non-PN-drinker rats today? Anyone else, can we go for a trifecta? It’s a shame when bottles go to people who are not fans of the varietal on offer. Though it can be amusing…
@InFrom LOL, that review was a roller coaster of emotions, but honestly, it read beautifully. Thank you for sharing it with me — it actually made me feel a little better about the hand I was dealt this time around!
I totally agree, it feels like a big missed opportunity to send a sample to someone who openly loathes the varietal. I’m honestly surprised there’s not some kind of vetting system to help match Rats with wines they actually enjoy drinking? I’m new here, so don’t let me rock the boat too hard, but come on…
@ElkhornPeak@InFrom I Understand; the randomness is supposed to be part of the appeal. It also strikes us when a “rat” is away for a while and gets the email that “you have surprise wine coming!”
I admit I’ve been guilty of missing one or two, but was able to get someone to pick up one and deliver to a wine-friendly friend who sent a brief review.
I’m buying 3 just based on the Vinter involvement and the sub par rattage.
I live in Sonoma County and am just short of addicted to Pinot’s. Especially Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley AVA. It is rare to see a Napa Valley Pinot, so I’m curious how they wil compare. Thanks Elise for jumping on, and best of luck in your venture.
@Leatherchair I really appreciate that, thank you! You’re close by, so please do come visit sometime. I’d love to share a glass of Pinot Noir with you and hear your thoughts in person. I can also open a few of my other Pinots, I’d genuinely value your take on those as well.
And I’ve got to say, I appreciate that the two rough reviews actually piqued your interest! I guess it’s true what they say: all PR is good PR. This whole experience has been a fun ride, and I’ve really enjoyed my first go on CM.
@ElkhornPeak Thank you and I do agree with that old saying about “PR.” Also wine is my #1 hobby and Pinot is way up there. If I think local, probably Bob Cabral, Tom Rochioli, and really like what they are doing at Fort Ross Winery with their proximity to the coast and carried elevation that just gives you an idea where my palette is - s I’ll definitely hit you up on your generous offer to taste and really appreciate you being on here again and communicating the way you did. Looking forward to my only “Napa Valley” Pinots in my wine refrigerator. Thanks again.
@rjquillin I only see what’s on this forum, I am making an effort to reply to everyone, so if I’m missing some whispers, please tell me how to access them!
@ElkhornPeak@rjquillin Whenever you are tagged in a reply or whisper, you will receive an email notification of such. Whispers are only visible to the sender and recipient(s).
This offer is a perfect example of how the lab rat program can be revised. I remember filling out a form way back when indicating my preference of varietals that I would like to review. However, I don’t think this was ever done. Hopefully @winedavid59 and Alice will take a look at this to make some changes. I feel bad for a vintner who gave away free bottles and sees no return on her investment. My two cents
In all seriousness, that is actually my main issue with how rat reports have gone of late. It’s less “here’s what I’m tasting” and more “I (don’t) like it”. I realise part of the point is to democratize the whole thing for all palates but I think there should be a minimal requirement to try to describe the wine’s aromas, flavours, and finish.
@ElkhornPeak@karenhynes
One additional thing I’d like to ask, realizing I think this is your first vintage, what do you think it’s life, in a proper cellar, may be? Some of us take a rather extended time to drink thru bottles.
@karenhynes@rjquillin That’s a great question. While this is my first vintage as winemaker, we’ve been making Pinot Noir under the direction of Kent Rasmussen for decades, our first commercial vintage was 1992, and we’ve built up quite an extensive library of wines.
I’ve had a few 2011 Pinot Noirs recently and found them to be beautiful. It really comes down to personal preference. I personally appreciate Pinot Noirs with some age; I love those secondary characteristics: forest floor, dried leaves, earthy notes. Those really begin to show as the wine matures. The younger vintages will be more fruit-driven and vibrant.
Thank you again for taking a chance on our wines. If you’re curious to try some of our older vintages, like the 2011, we do offer library wines on our website: elkhornpeak.com. And if you join our email list at the bottom of the site, you’ll receive a coupon code you can use anytime (it doesn’t expire!).
@ElkhornPeak well, was going to order a 3-pack overnight but the midnight clock hit me. Please come back to this site; based on your interaction you will be very welcome.
I have to admit, I’m a bit at a loss… my sample went to two people who openly said they don’t like Pinot Noir. How’s a girl supposed to get a fair shot at a review?
You are absolutely correct. The person who ran the labrat program retired and so I think they are still getting it re-sorted. I think next time around it’ll be better. I’m sure WD is aware, and it’s exceedingly rare that we get a full on strikeout on rats’ preferences. For everybody’s sake I hope it doesn’t happen again!
@klezman extremely rare. simple beginners bad luck this time i’m afraid. this NEVER happens. i’m sorry. i hope we can brush off and try again some time. we narrowed down to 'liking reds" as the criteria. looks like we may need to narrow down more. we’ll look into it.
@Winedavid59 Win some, lose some, I guess?
Although maybe you should send Lowell every Chardonnay just so we can hear his rants! (Plus the occasional PS to keep him happy.)
I don’t know why, but Pinot, Chardonnay, and Merlot seem to be the most divisive varieties. People seem to have a hard time seeing past their preconceptions and evaluating the thing on its own merits. Yay humans!
@klezman@Winedavid59 That’s really helpful insight on how different varietals are received on the CM site, thank you for sharing. How do Cabernet Sauvignons generally perform? I was thinking my second CM offer might be better off showcasing a different varietal! I personally find Napa Cabs pretty decisive, but I fly pretty close to the sun on this one, so it might just be me.
@mediocrebot@Thumperchick That’s a bummer — sorry you’ll miss the chance to try our Pinot Noir! Sounds like it might’ve been a great fit for your friends. Hopefully you can grab a few bottles next time, I hope to come back with more wine soon!
For what it’s worth I think this generated more comments and replies than I’ve seen in a while. So there definitely IS interest.
Also PN is definitely controversial on its own. Some like the $7 Jolly Rancher and I prefer the willamette valley hillside ones that are generally too expensive for me, and the “select” ones are on allocation to wine clubs and VIP.
I’m not a rat, but just cracked my bottle tonight that arrived yesterday. I do love Pinot’s and proudly consume wine ( mostly Pinots every night - not by myself of course. With that out of the way, I have to say that this is a BEAUTIFUL wine. I would have guessed this was Willamette ( for the minerality and a Russian River ( for its smooth fruit) cross. This is an incredibly very well put together wine. My only disappointment is that I only ordered a three pack. One thing for sure is, I have two 200 bottle, wine refrigerators. One for weekdays, and one for weekends. After drinking the bottle tonight, my remaining two bottles will be moved to my weekend wine refrigerator. I hope Elkhorn Peak gives Casemates a shot again and know her experience will be a lot better
@Leatherchair This is certainly enheartening to hear! 2 post-delivery reviewers now give this a thumbs-up. My case is waiting for me to pick it up at UPS, and it sounds like I’m going to be glad that I picked up a full case.
@TimW Agree with you on being glad you picked up a case. Wish I did. I know you will love it. I had my first sip, left it on the counter to contemplate what I was tasting, and was actually excited for my second sip. That definitely doesn’t happen very frequently. Enjoy those 12 bottles!
This is a perfect example of how bad rats can spoil an offer. Rats should focus on the wine characteristics and not their own preferences. It sucks for the winery and it sucks for the community.
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.
@ElkhornPeak the video posted here on your new Cab planting and bottling makes me want to try that Cab! I hope you come back here with the Cab offering.
Thank you @TimW. Farming and making Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley definitely keeps me on my toes—it’s a completely different beast than Pinot Noir in every way imaginable. Our first vintage was in 2021, so we’re still pretty new to it. I’ll talk to my Dad and see what he thinks of bringing it to Casemates for a run. Thank you for the interest!
@ElkhornPeak @TimW Drinking window? I know it is mentioned above but I’ll ask anyway
@ElkhornPeak @TimW cool climate Cabernet from Southern Napa? Sign me up!
@kaolis @TimW For the Pinot Noir 5-7 years is what we recommend. That said, we have a nice library, and every once and a while I’ll pull a 2011 Pinot Noir off the shelf and it’s a real treat. And we actually did a promo recently for really stuff – dating back to the 90s, and with some time in the decanter, that was also a really fun adventure.
@ElkhornPeak @TimW
Kent did some nice CS…
@rjquillin @TimW I actually haven’t had any of Kent’s Cabernets, but he did steer us toward a less extracted, lower-tannin, lower-alcohol style, something he says is more reminiscent of how Napa Cabs used to be.
We also just released our first vintage of Cab Franc: the 2022. It was a tiny pet project of mine. We’ve only got 10 rows of it, so we were able to make just about 40 cases. Kent hasn’t tasted it yet, but with all this talk about his talent, I’m thinking it’s time I dropped off a bottle for him!
@ElkhornPeak @rjquillin @TimW Cool climate Cab Franc?? Oy…maybe I really do need to figure out how to stop by when we’re driving through the region in a week or two.
Elise, what’s the best way to get in touch?
@ElkhornPeak @klezman @TimW
That comment caught my eye as well, as did the Pinot Blanc and some of the single clone bottlings.
This has been a roisterous good daily we haven’t seen in years it seems.
@klezman @rjquillin @TimW You can email me at info@elkhornpeak.com or call me 707-255-0504. Please book a tasting ahead of time, I’m looking forward to meeting you in a week or two!
@klezman @rjquillin @TimW Not a Pinot Blanc — that’s a different grape entirely (a genetic mutation of Pinot Noir). This is a White Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir fruit, pressed directly to avoid extracting color. It’s barrel fermented and goes through full malolactic — and it’s lovely.
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!
@ElkhornPeak @klezman By “muddy”, I do mean indistinct. and also veiled by…idk…what Pinot lovers might consider “forest floor”.
@ElkhornPeak @FritzCat sounds up my alley
@ElkhornPeak @FritzCat @klezman ooooooh forest floor? Heck yeah
@FritzCat @klezman @losthighwayz I’m right there with you, I love a Pinot with a bit of forest floor. I think it gives the wine some grounding qualities, a bit of muscle, and makes it feel a little less ethereal.
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…
@ElkhornPeak @Mark_L @rjquillin @Winedavid59 Kent Rasmussen? He’s basically woot royalty!
@ElkhornPeak @klezman @Mark_L @rjquillin there’s a kent rasmussen connection?
@klezman @Mark_L @rjquillin @Winedavid59 Wow, I love seeing how much love Kent gets on this site, it’s so well deserved. He’s an incredible winemaker and an even better human.
You’ve probably read the other comments explaining our connection, but I wanted to take the opportunity to share one of my favorite “Kent the mentor” stories. As I mentioned, 2019 was the first vintage Kent mentored me on, and we walked the Elkhorn Peak vineyard together a few times that summer.
As a young winemaker, I soaked up every bit of advice he shared. One tip that really stuck with me was about calling pick dates: “Look at the seeds,” he said. “You want them mostly brown. Not 100%, but about 80–90%. And check the pulp. If it looks like frog eggs, it’s underripe. Delay the pick date until there are no frog eggs.”
If that means the sugars creep up a bit, he said that’s okay, he assured me that we need the ripe red fruit flavors to be there. To this day, when I’m tasting fruit in the vineyard and I spot those “frog eggs,” in the pulp, I wait.
It’s such a weird association, but it really sticks with you and he was spot on. The 2019 sugar panels came in right at 24 Brix. They jumped up a bit after the cold soak, which explains the alcohol being just a little high, but there’s no green flavors in this wine, and it really shows complex layers of red fruit and the earthy components, while holding onto nice acidity…Just another testament to Kent’s wisdom.
@ElkhornPeak @klezman @Mark_L @Winedavid59
And you didn’t know!?
@ElkhornPeak @klezman @Mark_L @rjquillin @Winedavid59 wow
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.
@ElkhornPeak for sure. I probably over simplified. My partner is a Pinot lover. I enjoy them (far more than these rats evidently).
With the rats being as useless as they were and how involved you are here, I’m in for a case. I’ll figure out storage somehow.
@matthewstep Wow, thank you so much! Sounds like the perfect excuse to open a couple more bottles this weekend to make some room — no harm in that!
@ElkhornPeak We actually have family visiting soon so that is more than likely to make a dent! There will be space by the time it arrives. Look forward to trying it and hopefully making it up for a tasting when in Napa next time.
@ElkhornPeak Just got the wine. Fantastic! We paired it with a home made mushroom pizza and was fantastic. Really hope we can make it up from SF sooner rather than later.
@matthewstep wow, thank you so much for coming back to share your thoughts on the wine. I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the Pinot- Pinot Noir and pizza is always a great idea. I’m looking forward to meeting you next time you’re in Napa!
@ElkhornPeak @matthewstep
Also took delivery today; but this is going to rest at least a couple months before I pull a cork.
@ElkhornPeak @matthewstep @rjquillin I’m going to be up there on Monday. Looking forward to it!
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.
@sillyheathen same
@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
@rjquillin
That’s awesome! Yes—Kent Rasmussen has been our consulting winemaker from the very beginning. Fun fact: back in the early ’90s, he brought over budwood from a vineyard that was once used in Mondavi’s high-end Pinot program. If you check out the tech sheet, you’ll see this wine includes the “R” clone Pinot Noir—‘R’ for Rasmussen. It’s a little inside joke between Kent and my dad.
Kent likes to remind me that in the ’70s and ’80s, no one really talked about clones—but this particular budwood comes from one of his most cherished Napa vineyard sites. These days, Kent is more like family. He’s been an incredible mentor to me as a young winemaker, always there with advice and support for all our wine projects. A fantastic human all around, and an incredible winemaker. I didn’t realize to mention his connection to Elkhorn Peak. I really appreciate the leap of faith in our Pinot Noir release, thank you so much. Please do share your thoughts on the wine once you taste it; I’d truly love to hear them. And if you happen to have any old bottles or photos of Kent’s wines, I’d love to show him, I’m sure he’d get a kick out of it, and I’d love to let him know we connected on Casemates.
VAN GOGH! MANGO! TANGO! AWESOME!
@rjquillin where’d you see the Rasmussen connection? Did that get whispered?
Of your buying I could take a couple. Gotta support a friend of Kent’s who also participates this much!
@klezman It’s a lengthy discussion in the second video link at the top of the discussion page.
@klezman @rjquillin
It was just a brief mention in one of our videos—yes, Kent Rasmussen has been our consulting winemaker since 1983. He was actually the one who convinced my dad to start making wine from our fruit. Before Kent came along, we were just growers, selling grapes to other wineries.
The 2019 vintage was the first one Kent and I worked on together, which makes it a special one for me. He’s truly my favorite person to share a glass with—so down to earth and thoughtful about wine.
I didn’t know he had such a fan following on casemates or I would have made more of a mention earlier on. I’m so glad @rjquillin took the time to watch the video and call it out – thank you!
@ElkhornPeak @klezman
Which is this offer; makes it even more special!
Kent way pre-dates CM, going back to the early WineWoot days and some amazing offers and tastings. For many any offer from him is an auto-buy.
What more can you tell us about this offer?
Any additional labs? RS, TA
Challenging/great vintage, other details?
@klezman @rjquillin
I looked back at my 2019 harvest notes and pulled a few details… Brix after cold soak came in at 24.8, which explains why the alcohol ended up a bit higher than intended. We don’t water back—that’s a house rule—so it is what it is.
TA is 5.7, and pH is 3.57. This wine is bone dry, no RS. This vintage is a blend of the clones: dijon, swan, “R”, and Pommard.
We fermented with RC212, and once things got going, we did pumpovers twice a day—late morning and again in the afternoon. My notes show that we ran into some sulfite issues with the Dijon clones (Kent warned me we always do with those), and while I’m still not entirely sure why—might be a clone-specific thing—it was definitely something I kept an eye on throughout fermentation.
We actually pulled that clone this year and likely won’t be working with the Dijon clones going forward. Pommard is one of my favorites to work with, and funny enough, Kent’s “R” clone has never given us any trouble during fermentation. It’s kind of a unicorn Pinot Noir clone—reliable, balanced, and even after 30+ years in the ground, it still gives us great yields.
@ElkhornPeak @klezman
So the different clones were fermented separately, with a post-ferment blend; not like a syrah/viognier co-ferment.
I’m guessing there is some whole cluster in here somewhere…
@klezman @rjquillin That’s correct. We generally don’t ferment clones separately anymore because we almost always end up blending them all together anyway. And at my custom crush facility, the larger tanks have really precise glycol jackets…plus it saves a TON of time with pump-overs. I also have a theory that blended ferments are healthier than homogenous ones. The issues we sometimes see when fermenting a single clone on its own just don’t seem to come up when everything’s co-fermented.
That said, we do occasionally bottle a clonal-specific Pinot if one clone ripens a lot faster than the others or out of curiosity. In 2020, we did a limited run with the Pommard clone Pinot Noir: 50 cases. It was a little side project I spearheaded, and we offered it to our wine club members. We’re down to the last 9-ish cases now, it’s been out for a while, so if you’re interested in a bottle, I’d be happy to extend it to you—no wine club commitment required.
@klezman @rjquillin no whole cluster actually! Kent is heavily against it, so we steer clear of any whole cluster. Our soil is marginal, so the fruit we grow is small but mighty; I think whole cluster might be a little overpowering.
@ElkhornPeak @rjquillin I think I’m learning more about Kent’s philosophy from you than from our tastings with him! On one of our Wine Woot Tours we had a phenomenal tasting where he pulled bottles going all the way back to his first vintage. Phenomenal.
Ron, how many should I take?
@ElkhornPeak @klezman
How many you want?
I think only two or three are currently spoken for, other than what I’d like to end up with, that originally was only three.
@rjquillin I can do a trio, I think.
@ElkhornPeak @rjquillin thanks to CellarTracker’s new AI features (ask questions about your cellar), I realized that I have some 2019 Kent Rasmussen Pinot Noir Carneros (https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/4297373). Might be interesting to compare it to the Elkhorn once the Elkhorn is delivered.
@ElkhornPeak @rjquillin @TimW IIRC, I was a rat for that offer, but I think I had the Cab. The Pinot is almost old enough that I’m thinking of opening one soon. Still have some KR 2006 and 2007 that I’m waiting to open my last bottles.
@ElkhornPeak @klezman @TimW
Kent Rasmussen Napa Valley Mixed Reds
@klezman @rjquillin @TimW that link to Kent’s offer is amazing, thank you so much for sharing it with me! Fun to see that he listed the 2019 Pinot Noir from our vineyard! Might be fun to do a side by side for anyone who has both of our wines. We harvested the same night for both wines. He only used his clone for his label, so his is a clonal designate whereas our 2019 is a blend of 5 clones. And it was so nice that he gave us credit by name and also called our vineyard A-1….he’s truly an incredible example of a good egg in this industry. Not pretentious or egotistical— just a really nice guy who aims to lift up as many people as he can. I believe the 2019 Pinot Noir was Kent’s last vintage of Pinot Noir ever. Special bottle!
@rjquillin @TimW yes! That sounds like a great idea. I absolutely LOVE Kent’s description of our vineyard in the CM offer. “If grapes had eyes…” how poetic is that?!
@ElkhornPeak @klezman @TimW
This begs another question you hopefully can answer.
Just what were the percentages from the various vineyards used in your final blend or ferment?
@ElkhornPeak @rjquillin @TimW I just reread that. The cab was excellent. I haven’t opened up any of my bottles from that offer yet so I should be able to swing a side by side.
Also that was exactly two years ago!
That’s a beautiful label; very striking design.
@Kyeh that’s very kind, thank you. The name Elkhorn Peak comes from the mountain range where we grow our fruit. There are no elk there today, but I’ve heard that it was fairly common to see them grazing along the ridgeline back in the day.
I love supporting micro family wineries like this!
In for a case! Like I said above, I love supporting small family wineries, and Casemates is a unique community that brings them literally to my door.
/giphy indefatigable-stimulating-locust
@TimW “indefatigable“ was part of my order number…what a great word.
@TimW thank you so much for the support! These are tough times for small producers; we’re trying new things and working hard to promote ourselves, and it means a lot to have the support. I’d love to hear what you think of the wine once your case arrives! And if you ever make it out to Napa, I’d be thrilled to host you for a vineyard tour and tasting, and show you around our little corner of the world.
I’m so grateful to those of you who are in for our very first Casemates offer—thank you! I genuinely look forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback on the wines. Just in case it’s hard to find, here’s my contact info: you can reach me directly at info@elkhornpeak.com or call 707-255-0504.
I wear a lot of hats around here—I make the wine, host the guests, run the wine club, do the marketing, and yep, I’m also the one answering the phone and emails!
If any Casemates find themselves in Napa, I’d love to pour you a glass and show you around our vineyard. Tastings are by appointment—not because we’re fancy, but because we’re often out and about taking care of business. I look forward to meeting new friends down the road. Thanks again.
@ElkhornPeak
It’s really sad to see the limited participation (purchasing), not your engagement that is outstanding, ( awesome ) even!
I cancelled my original 3-bottle order and upped it to a case.
Thanks!
@rjquillin Wow, thank you so much! I’m grateful to be here. I just discovered casemates back in June, and got on the schedule as soon as I could. I hope to be invited back for more offers in the future.
Coupon code KAOLISCAVE isn’t working
@MitchBenson Bummer, this is beyond my scope, but I will absolutely share this note with my contact at casemates and ask them to reach out to you.
@MitchBenson @thumperchick
@ElkhornPeak Odd that they included the code in the listing and then it says it’s invalid
@MitchBenson @thumperchick
it only works once per user. Perhaps you’ve already used it?
@MitchBenson @rjquillin correct. That code is 1 use per account and it was used on some Chianti a while back.
That WE review…
90 points. Smooth and easy, this well-modulated wine offers baked plums and dark spices, along with a well-rounded texture that melts in the mouth. — Jim Gordon 12/31/23
And oh, a link to their Berserkerday 16 offer
fwiw
@kaolis Thank you for sharing this! And yes, we’ve been participating in Berserker Day for a few years now, it’s been a really fun opportunity to do some unique offerings. I’m a big fan of the website, I actually started a berserker thread to get info on White Pinot Noir. The info I got there helped inspire me to make my own! We just bottled our first vintage of WPN, 47 cases, likely releasing in spring 2026.
In for a case, excited to try the wine.
@ChiWineOne thank you so much! I’m excited for you to try the wine too – you’ll have to come back and share your thoughts.
@ElkhornPeak Elise. I couldn’t pull the trigger for VinDependence Day but now I get a second chance to try your Pinot. I also hope to try your Chardonnay in the future. Your winery is on my list next time I’m in Napa.
@carjeff
I’m so happy to hear that! I had no idea there was so much crossover between WB and CM, but I should’ve guessed—this really is such a small and tight-knit wine community. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Pinot once you taste it.
I’m sure you’ve seen the reviews, but just a heads up: it’s a fuller-bodied style of Pinot Noir. That said, I’m planning to experiment with a lighter style this year, targeting around 13% ABV, since I think that’s where a lot of wine drinkers’ palates are trending. It won’t replace our flagship style, but we’ll release it and see how it’s received through our wine club…we’re always trying new things and our wine club members are an incredible sounding board.
As for the Chardonnay, the 2021 vintage may be our last for a while. We don’t grow Chardonnay on the property, so we’ve historically sourced fruit from Carneros. But after discovering White Pinot Noir a couple years ago, everyone got curious, and we just bottled our inaugural vintage last month! It was barrel fermented and aged, went through full ML, and I actually shaped a lot of the winemaking decisions based on feedback from a White Pinot thread I started on WB.
I’m really excited about this new white wine, it’s a fun direction for us. I’d love to pour you a pre-release taste when you make it out for a visit!
@carjeff @ElkhornPeak white Pinot Noir sounds super interesting! Bring that one here when you get a larger vintage of it!!!
Also is this shipped via UPS or FedEx?
@carjeff All CM offers ship UPS
(at least for now, until it may change, yet again)
/giphy absent-trashed-ocean
3 pack to SC, summer hold. And coupon KAOLISCAVE worked just fine. Hey @Winedavid59, pinch me! …I think I just said ordered summer hold! ha!
edit: living on a barrier island I was hoping for something a little more exciting giphy-wise, but hey
@kaolis You’re saying Mayor Adams is disappointing? Join the club.
Congrats on using your eponymous coupon! And summer shipping! It’s a red-letter day!
I suspect the lack of sales is due to the lab rat report. I wish every offer had at least three rats so one can compare notes and make an informed decision. We love Pinots here but gravitate towards lighter and brighter style of Pinot Noir which is why I’m not pulling the trigger this time around but will certainly keep an eye out for the white PN and the lighter version this coming vintage
@losthighwayz Thanks for the insight on palates and preferences around here, that’ll definitely help guide what I offer next time.
As for the WPN and the lighter Pinot Noir styles, those are super limited runs (around 50 cases each), so they likely won’t make it onto Casemates. But if you’re really interested, I’d love to have you on our mailing list so you can be the first to know when they’re released.
You can sign up via the form in the footer at elkhornpeak.com, and as a bonus, you’ll get a coupon code that never expires!
@ElkhornPeak signed up! We always look to support smaller producers
Great participation, KR connection, small production, WB nerd, count me in.
@msten Thank you so much for taking a leap of faith with us! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the wine.
@msten I picked up three for those exact reasons.
/giphy rare-lowdown-plastic
I wanted to do a case, but my “cellar” is pretty full. Three bottles will be a nice surprise in October.
@neilornot Thank you so much for the support! Three bottles is a great starter pack. I hope you enjoy it.
Sorry, in a way, to be so late with my Lab Rat review, but I think you will see that it doesn’t make any real difference. Pinot Noir is not my favorite grape. It, along with Carmenere, are the two varieties that I just don’t drink. These two varieties contain something that just doesn’t go with my palate.
So, what to do?
The Elkhorn Peak Pinot Noir looks nice. The bottle is stylish, with a handsome label. It’s a deep color, not a rosy red. The nose, well I can’t say-- I have a bit of a cold and my nose is stuffy.
But I just don’t like it. It appears to be a fine wine, but that’s the best I can say for it.
@DickL @ElkhornPeak Eek, this is a rare strike-out for rats not caused by delivery delays. And not by the wine! By strike-out it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with the wine, but not to the taster’s tastes. We have had similar issues with things like white wines going to people who say I hate white wines and never drink them!
Sometimes we are lucky and people bring in friends or family members to at least broaden the pool.
As a PN drinker who enjoys the good Oregon “taste the dirt it grew in” style, I can imagine this disconnect of tasting. Also most people expect the cheap Jolly-rancher thin red PN, which I find disgusting.
@pmarin I’d love to share a glass of Pinot Noir with you someday, you’re absolutely speaking my language. Even with limited characters, I can tell we’re like-minded. Thank you for the kind words.
I have to admit, I’m a bit at a loss… my sample went to two people who openly said they don’t like Pinot Noir. How’s a girl supposed to get a fair shot at a review?
@DickL I appreciate your light touch with the dismay, thank you for not ripping me to pieces! I’m a fairly thick skinned person, but I still have feelings. I’m you were sent a varietal you don’t care for…that would bum me out if I were in your shoes! If you ever make it out to Napa, I’d love to have you visit us. We have plenty of other wines to try - whites, sparkling, Cabs, Roses - I feel like we could find something you’d enjoy, and I’d welcome the chance to redeem the experience in person.
Not sure if you saw in the other comments, but I personally host all our tastings, they usually include a vineyard walk and a little hands-on vineyard fun. It’s casual, educational, and hopefully a good time all around.
@DickL meant to type “I’m sorry you were sent a varietal you don’t care for…” couldn’t edit my comment for some reason.
@DickL @ElkhornPeak it’s a weird world, they only give you 5 minutes (I think) to edit. Beyond that, super-humans called mods if they are awake and sober (unlikely) can sometimes edit later to fix mistakes.
@DickL @ElkhornPeak @pmarin
tip: After you post, and before the 5 minute window closes, “edit” your post will extend that timer until you “Say it”, but once you close that edit, you’re done…
@ElkhornPeak @pmarin If you’re ever in LA we’d love to share some earthy and funky Pinots!
@DickL this is a crappy report and in all honesty you should consider removing your name from the program. It comes across as selfish and it is detrimental to the winery and the community
Only two non-PN-drinker rats today? Anyone else, can we go for a trifecta? It’s a shame when bottles go to people who are not fans of the varietal on offer. Though it can be amusing…
@InFrom yup maybe somebody from the vicinity can arrange an emergency local tasting visit.
@InFrom LOL, that review was a roller coaster of emotions, but honestly, it read beautifully.
Thank you for sharing it with me — it actually made me feel a little better about the hand I was dealt this time around!
I totally agree, it feels like a big missed opportunity to send a sample to someone who openly loathes the varietal. I’m honestly surprised there’s not some kind of vetting system to help match Rats with wines they actually enjoy drinking? I’m new here, so don’t let me rock the boat too hard, but come on…
@ElkhornPeak @InFrom I Understand; the randomness is supposed to be part of the appeal. It also strikes us when a “rat” is away for a while and gets the email that “you have surprise wine coming!”
I admit I’ve been guilty of missing one or two, but was able to get someone to pick up one and deliver to a wine-friendly friend who sent a brief review.
I’m buying 3 just based on the Vinter involvement and the sub par rattage.
I live in Sonoma County and am just short of addicted to Pinot’s. Especially Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley AVA. It is rare to see a Napa Valley Pinot, so I’m curious how they wil compare. Thanks Elise for jumping on, and best of luck in your venture.
@Leatherchair I really appreciate that, thank you! You’re close by, so please do come visit sometime. I’d love to share a glass of Pinot Noir with you and hear your thoughts in person. I can also open a few of my other Pinots, I’d genuinely value your take on those as well.
And I’ve got to say, I appreciate that the two rough reviews actually piqued your interest!
I guess it’s true what they say: all PR is good PR. This whole experience has been a fun ride, and I’ve really enjoyed my first go on CM.
@ElkhornPeak @Leatherchair It could be worse; you could be the former CEO or Human Resources head of a formerly-unknown tech company!
@ElkhornPeak Thank you and I do agree with that old saying about “PR.” Also wine is my #1 hobby and Pinot is way up there. If I think local, probably Bob Cabral, Tom Rochioli, and really like what they are doing at Fort Ross Winery with their proximity to the coast and carried elevation that just gives you an idea where my palette is - s I’ll definitely hit you up on your generous offer to taste and really appreciate you being on here again and communicating the way you did. Looking forward to my only “Napa Valley” Pinots in my wine refrigerator. Thanks again.
@ElkhornPeak
I’ve noticed some ‘whispers’ here directed your way.
Are you aware of them and know how to read and respond to them?
@rjquillin I only see what’s on this forum, I am making an effort to reply to everyone, so if I’m missing some whispers, please tell me how to access them!
@ElkhornPeak @rjquillin Whenever you are tagged in a reply or whisper, you will receive an email notification of such. Whispers are only visible to the sender and recipient(s).
@ElkhornPeak @Mark_L @rjquillin Though don’t you first need to have checked off something to indicate you want those emails?
@ElkhornPeak The whispers are attached to comments, but have a grey background.
This offer is a perfect example of how the lab rat program can be revised. I remember filling out a form way back when indicating my preference of varietals that I would like to review. However, I don’t think this was ever done. Hopefully @winedavid59 and Alice will take a look at this to make some changes. I feel bad for a vintner who gave away free bottles and sees no return on her investment. My two cents
@losthighwayz also like, why sign up to review wines if you can’t give a simple description of what you are tasting?
@CruelMelody @losthighwayz
Because free wine!!
In all seriousness, that is actually my main issue with how rat reports have gone of late. It’s less “here’s what I’m tasting” and more “I (don’t) like it”. I realise part of the point is to democratize the whole thing for all palates but I think there should be a minimal requirement to try to describe the wine’s aromas, flavours, and finish.
I’m in for a 3-pack (lack of case-space)!
Y’all know I love me some Pinot and I love the Vintner involvement!
Cheers!
@karenhynes Thank you! Looking forward to getting your thoughts on the wine.
@ElkhornPeak @karenhynes
One additional thing I’d like to ask, realizing I think this is your first vintage, what do you think it’s life, in a proper cellar, may be? Some of us take a rather extended time to drink thru bottles.
@karenhynes @rjquillin That’s a great question. While this is my first vintage as winemaker, we’ve been making Pinot Noir under the direction of Kent Rasmussen for decades, our first commercial vintage was 1992, and we’ve built up quite an extensive library of wines.
I’ve had a few 2011 Pinot Noirs recently and found them to be beautiful. It really comes down to personal preference. I personally appreciate Pinot Noirs with some age; I love those secondary characteristics: forest floor, dried leaves, earthy notes. Those really begin to show as the wine matures. The younger vintages will be more fruit-driven and vibrant.
Thank you again for taking a chance on our wines. If you’re curious to try some of our older vintages, like the 2011, we do offer library wines on our website: elkhornpeak.com. And if you join our email list at the bottom of the site, you’ll receive a coupon code you can use anytime (it doesn’t expire!).
@ElkhornPeak well, was going to order a 3-pack overnight but the midnight clock hit me. Please come back to this site; based on your interaction you will be very welcome.
@ElkhornPeak
You are absolutely correct. The person who ran the labrat program retired and so I think they are still getting it re-sorted. I think next time around it’ll be better. I’m sure WD is aware, and it’s exceedingly rare that we get a full on strikeout on rats’ preferences. For everybody’s sake I hope it doesn’t happen again!
@klezman extremely rare. simple beginners bad luck this time i’m afraid. this NEVER happens. i’m sorry. i hope we can brush off and try again some time. we narrowed down to 'liking reds" as the criteria. looks like we may need to narrow down more. we’ll look into it.
@klezman @Winedavid59
Alice retire?
@Winedavid59 Win some, lose some, I guess?
Although maybe you should send Lowell every Chardonnay just so we can hear his rants! (Plus the occasional PS to keep him happy.)
I don’t know why, but Pinot, Chardonnay, and Merlot seem to be the most divisive varieties. People seem to have a hard time seeing past their preconceptions and evaluating the thing on its own merits. Yay humans!
@klezman @Winedavid59 That’s really helpful insight on how different varietals are received on the CM site, thank you for sharing. How do Cabernet Sauvignons generally perform? I was thinking my second CM offer might be better off showcasing a different varietal! I personally find Napa Cabs pretty decisive, but I fly pretty close to the sun on this one, so it might just be me.
@ElkhornPeak @Winedavid59 people love all of them. Just that some people have rather strong opinions about dinner varieties. Who knows!
@ElkhornPeak @klezman @Winedavid59 If you ever want a rat that favors PN, it should be easy to find one (@karenhynes).
Would have bought a few bottles to try and share with my friends who like bigger pinots, I also like occasionally but summer hold is sold out oh well.
@thumperchick
@mediocrebot @Thumperchick That’s a bummer — sorry you’ll miss the chance to try our Pinot Noir! Sounds like it might’ve been a great fit for your friends. Hopefully you can grab a few bottles next time, I hope to come back with more wine soon!
@ScottW58 I’d bet @rjquillin has a couple to spare. If we ever see him up here!
@klezman @rjquillin If klez is right, I would take a pair and that would bring what you’re holding for me up to an even case
For what it’s worth I think this generated more comments and replies than I’ve seen in a while. So there definitely IS interest.
Also PN is definitely controversial on its own. Some like the $7 Jolly Rancher and I prefer the willamette valley hillside ones that are generally too expensive for me, and the “select” ones are on allocation to wine clubs and VIP.
I’m not a rat, but just cracked my bottle tonight that arrived yesterday. I do love Pinot’s and proudly consume wine ( mostly Pinots every night - not by myself of course. With that out of the way, I have to say that this is a BEAUTIFUL wine. I would have guessed this was Willamette ( for the minerality and a Russian River ( for its smooth fruit) cross. This is an incredibly very well put together wine. My only disappointment is that I only ordered a three pack. One thing for sure is, I have two 200 bottle, wine refrigerators. One for weekdays, and one for weekends. After drinking the bottle tonight, my remaining two bottles will be moved to my weekend wine refrigerator. I hope Elkhorn Peak gives Casemates a shot again and know her experience will be a lot better
@Leatherchair This is certainly enheartening to hear! 2 post-delivery reviewers now give this a thumbs-up. My case is waiting for me to pick it up at UPS, and it sounds like I’m going to be glad that I picked up a full case.
@TimW Agree with you on being glad you picked up a case. Wish I did. I know you will love it. I had my first sip, left it on the counter to contemplate what I was tasting, and was actually excited for my second sip. That definitely doesn’t happen very frequently. Enjoy those 12 bottles!
@Leatherchair @TimW
Mine won’t arrive until fall but I’m already regretting not getting a case instead of the 3-pack.
@karenhynes @Leatherchair @TimW @ElkhornPeak Now I wish I’d bought! Too much wine right now but will be on the lookout for future offers.
Had a great tasting with Elise this morning. Looking forward to the next offer!
This is a perfect example of how bad rats can spoil an offer. Rats should focus on the wine characteristics and not their own preferences. It sucks for the winery and it sucks for the community.