2020 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Reserve Pinot Noir, Napa Valley
The 2020 Pinot Noir Reserve is a wine of richness and refinement, showcasing the depth of our estate fruit with the added influence of new oak. Aromas of ripe black cherry, raspberry compote, and violet are layered with warm notes of vanilla, clove, and cedar. The palate is concentrated yet polished, with flavors of dark plum, pomegranate, and baking spice unfolding over a framework of fine-grained tannins.
Vintage Notes
A dry winter gave way to a status quo spring. Budbreak occurred on March 15th, right on time. We had a week of unexpected spring showers in mid-May, which caused a bit of shatter in the vineyard, but it was nothing too alarming. Summer arrived with sunny, even temperatures that hovered around the low 80s for most of June and July. Like clockwork, the grapes began to go through version at the end of July 2020. While COVID moved through the planet, and Napa Valley tourism evaporated overnight, it was hard to know which way was up, but we took tremendous comfort in a very average grape growing season and were hopeful for a quiet and uneventful harvest. But that definitely was not the case…
Harvest 2020 kicked off on August 14th, during Napa’s first summer heatwave. It was 100 degrees and we picked one ton of Pinot Noir that would become the 2020 Pinot Noir Pet Nat.
The triple-digit heat continued for a few days, and on August 16th and 17th we experienced lightning storms – not something we ever see during the summer months in California. This unusual weather pattern proved to be catastrophic. The lightning storms ended up igniting the “Lightning Complex Fires” in California, a series of 300+ fires that raged across CA, burning 375,000 acres. The kick-off to fire season was fast and furious, and we spent several days creating fire breaks around the perimeter of our ranch.
A week later on August 23rd, the heat subsided for a few days so we picked another one ton of Pinot that we fermented on its own and will age and bottle separate from the rest – to become our first single clone Pinot Noir: The 2020 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir (a wine club member exclusive wine!)
The extreme heat returned the first couple of days in September, reaching 102 at our south Napa ranch, and as high as 110 in north Napa – very extreme temperatures! The excessive heat accelerated ripening, and we made a quick decision to pull the rest of our fruit on Labor Day 2020. So, at sundown on September 7, 2020, we began harvesting everything we had left in the vineyard. The crew finished up just after 2 A.M. The grapes came in beautifully, albeit the crop was a little lighter than usual. Thanks to the extreme heat, the berries were a bit riper than our usual target - had we left the fruit on for another few days in the heat, we would have been picking raisins! We’re grateful that we pulled the fruit off when we did…if not for the potential to raisin, for the unprecedented weather that would soon hit California…
On the morning of September 9th, Californians woke up to orange skies and raining ash. The fires were burning far from Napa Valley, but weather patterns blew the heavy smoke towards us. We’ve never seen anything like it. “Raining ash” was the 2020 weather phenomenon plaguing Napa grape growers. We saw growers using leaf blowers in the vineyard to blow ash off their fruit, and others giving their grapes a water bath before processing. A lot of work went into salvaging the 2020 vintage after the September 9th smoke event. And then, on September 27th the Glass Fire ignited in North Napa, and put an abrupt stop to any additional opportunities to pick grapes in the Napa Valley. The 2020 Napa Valley harvest proved to be one of the most challenging in history. We are very lucky and honored to share this vintage with you.
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
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, 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
@klezman@rjquillin
I did get a 4-pack of the 2019. I recall drinking one bottle and enjoying it (no specific notes). I cannot locate the remaining three bottles at the moment. If I find them before dinner tonight, I will open one and report back. I’m not sure I’ll make it to dinner though. I got my flu and covid vaccines yesterday and pretty much just want to go to bed.
@karenhynes@klezman@rjquillin Yeah, maybe it’s superstition, but my spouse insists we not imbibe for a few days after getting vaccinated, to maximize efficacy. Which is why we schedule shots for Monday or Tuesday!
You’re probably better off passing on the vol-ratting this time. Feel better.
@karenhynes Friends hear here are interested in a pair, so that’s 6 spoken for. I’ll pull the trigger and maybe somebody else wants 2-3 and that’d be ideal.
@danandlisa thank you so much! Enjoy the wine and if you have any questions you call call/text me 707-255-0504 or email info@elkhornpeak.com. And please visit us if you make it out to Napa. I’d love to have a glass of wine with you!
@losthighwayz I didn’t get that from the write up. They picked over Labor Day weekend. The fire/ash started a couple of days later. Sounds like they avoided exposure to me.
we picked two days before the smoke. It was a miraculous pick call. Had we picked two days later, the fruit would have been destroyed. But it was a very hot year so the wine is a bit higher alcohol, with more bold flavors; things like black cherry vs. red cherry.
14.8%….hmmm….this seems more of a full body PN, I generally prefer lighter to medium PN. Any rats able to verify, or better yet, is my reasoning off base?
your intuition is right, we do make a fuller Pinot Noir, it still shows plenty of red fruit and other interesting characteristics like tea leaves. We attribute the flavors and style to our site - we have a very interesting soil composition that produces tiny, intense berries.
I purchased a 3 pack of the 2019 which looks to have a similar composition to this 2020, drank a bottle in December. My short note in CT (can’t believe I actually recorded one, my % of keeping CT updated is about 10)… “bigger style, dark fruited, tannin to resolve?”
I drink a ton of pinot, and while definitely well done, my sample size of a single bottle was not exactly in my wheelhouse. What’s that say about the 2020? Probably nothing, so probably just more useless information fwiw…ha!
@kaolis this is super helpful! The 2019 offer page shows 14.5%, and the stellar producer participation in that offer also seemed to confirm this is a big Pinot.
@kaolis I also bought three of the 2019 last year, and you’ve summed it up perfectly. I gravitate more toward lighter and more austere PN, but this was well done, the winery’s participation was topnotch, and the people I served it to raved over it. Those three bottles are long gone, and I considered getting three today, but I’ve been very picky lately about what I buy, and I’m going to pass.
@InFrom@kaolis appreciate the support on our last offer - thank you. Why not pick up a few bottles for the upcoming holiday season if everyone you served it to raved about it? small producer asking for the sale! Haha thanks for stopping by either way and for the accurate review of our Pinot Noir style.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations)
2020 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir - $94 = 30.92%
Sorry for my late post, was traveling early this am for a weekend getaway. But nonetheless I am here to rat for you.
The natural cork pulled out easy enough, with minimal staining and no sediment. The wine poured darker than I usually like for my Pinot’s. I prefer my Pinot Noir lighter in color, almost see thru.
On initial sniff, I detected cherries and red berries, some baking spice and maybe cigar box.
First sip revealed cherry, raspberry, rhubarb and a little smokiness on the finish. The fruit came off as more of stewed fruits rather than fresh.
This is definitely a bigger richer Pinot. Med body, med acidity, lower tannins. It has a savory quality and a long silky finish.
If you like bigger, bolder Pinot’s, this would be the one. It drinks like a well made wine. I guessed $60+ from the winery and probably $20-$25 on CM. So I see the offering is below that so maybe a good grab. I will probably pass on this one.
@smittypap caught this is Reserve, 2019 is regular bottling. So not only what was thought to be better barrels but different oak regimen as well. This saw 15% new, none for the 2019. Maybe @ElkhornPeak will chime in again. @Winedavid59
@kaolis the difference between our “traditional” (aka non-reserve) and the Reserve Pinot Noir is the oak - that’s really the only difference. We picked all of the Pinot Noir at the same time, fermented it all together, and then barreled down in mostly neutral oak and just a few new oak barrels. The blend for the Reserve included all of the new oak barrels, whereas the traditional was all neutral oak barrels. It’s a really interesting example of how oak affects wine.
@kaolis we sample every barrel as we blend and the barrels that age in new oak are quite tannic by comparison. Usually the final blend for the reserve comes out to about 10% new oak, 90% neutral. We’ve gone as high as 20% but usually we only go that high in a cold growing year when we want to create more weight to the Reserve. 2020 was not a cool growing year so we used a minimum about of new oak. The neutral oak we sample, we are just looking for interesting components that we think would be enhanced by some new oak influence, things like big cherry flavors. We usually leave the more delicate barrels for the traditional blend. Anything we don’t use is bulked out.
@fibercot our Pinot Noirs age exceptionally well. I’m still drinking the 2011s after an hour or two in the decanter (in 2026). I’d say the red fruit peaks in about 7 years, and then gives way to more early flavors. So drink in the next year or so if you’re looking for big fruit, otherwise, she can lay down for the next 5+ years.
Hello! I’m sorry for the delay, I was hosting a sold out grape stomp in the vineyard yesterday…small business owner wearing many hats! I wanted to chime in and address a few comments - this is a fuller Pinot Noir than most. Stylistically we do tend towards a fuller Pinot Noir in general, and the 2020 Pinot Noir Reserve is just that. The 2020 vintage was HOT so the fruit was ripe and the alcohol is high. It’s not a mistake or flaw, we are a tiny producer with no distribution so we roll with Mother Nature, and our vintages tend to vary with the weather. We pride ourselves on a philosophy of no water adds, etc.
I think it’s worth stating here, our consulting winemaker is Kent Rasmussen - the casemates audience knows this legend well! He’s been consulting for us since our first vintage, back in the early 90s, and sourcing fruit from our small vineyard for just as long. Kent’s philosophy is very much to let the vintage speak for itself, he has taught us to embrace the variation in vintages, and appreciate them as they tell the story of the growing season.
I also wanted to extend a personal invitation to all casemates folks to visit our vineyard and have a glass of wine at the source. We are on the south end, just off of highway 12, and easily accessible as a first stop from all of the major airports. I host most of the tastings - sometimes my Dad steps in to host as well - he’s a grower with 43 seasons under his belt and those lucky enough to have a glass of wine with him don’t soon forget it. And if you can’t make it out to Napa, please feel free to call/text/email with any and all questions or comments about our wine. 707-255-0504 or info@elkhornpeak.com. Reach out anytime, and I mean that. I’m the person behind all the devices lol. -Elise
@ElkhornPeak Anybody in the area should take Elise up on the offer! And don’t forget to check out the amazing collection of restored slot machines either!
@FOMOhoarder your username is the best lol. Nice to meet you, and thank you for the wine order. You’re stocking up for the winter, I think it’s a great idea.
Wow, what a crazy growing season sending good ju ju things get better. Its a tough industry in a good year.
Full bodied, Age worthy, Napa Pinot?
Great feedback & participation by winery?
Ken Rassmussan consulting?
Helping a small business while getting a great deal? Least I can do.
In for a case. I’ll share with family
Happy that I got a case. Looking forward to trying this wine.
Thank you Elise for being such an active participant for your winery! Hopefully you have a sell out!
Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir
2020 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Reserve Pinot Noir, Napa Valley
Vintage Notes
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$840/Case at Elkhorn Peak Cellars for 12x 2020 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Reserve Pinot Noir, Napa Valley
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, 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, Oct 26 - Wednesday, Oct 28
2020 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Reserve Pinot Noir
3 bottles for $75.99 25.33/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $209.99 $17.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Previous offer:
7/30/25 (2019)
[mod: updated to correct above links]
@ilCesare FWIW, the 2019 offer was not for the Reserve PN.
@ilCesare @smittypap hey, you’re right - I’m sorry for the error. The 2019 we offered was not reserve, you’re right.
Wow, crazy good deal. Chicago splits?
@klezman
I’d take 3-4.
@karenhynes @klezman
Karen, did you get any of the '19 from the previous offer?
If so, how was it?
@karenhynes know anybody else who might want another few?
@klezman @rjquillin
I did get a 4-pack of the 2019. I recall drinking one bottle and enjoying it (no specific notes). I cannot locate the remaining three bottles at the moment. If I find them before dinner tonight, I will open one and report back. I’m not sure I’ll make it to dinner though. I got my flu and covid vaccines yesterday and pretty much just want to go to bed.
@karenhynes @klezman @rjquillin Yeah, maybe it’s superstition, but my spouse insists we not imbibe for a few days after getting vaccinated, to maximize efficacy. Which is why we schedule shots for Monday or Tuesday!
You’re probably better off passing on the vol-ratting this time. Feel better.
@karenhynes Friends hear here are interested in a pair, so that’s 6 spoken for. I’ll pull the trigger and maybe somebody else wants 2-3 and that’d be ideal.
/giphy verdant-deadpan-coral
@karenhynes @klezman thank you both!
@ElkhornPeak @karenhynes I’m looking forward to having both the 2020 Estate and Reserve to try!
@karenhynes arrived!
Send me your contact info so we can coordinate?
With the winery participation last time and the people loving the wine after delivery, a case is bought. Thanks for giving us a second chance.
@danandlisa thank you so much! Enjoy the wine and if you have any questions you call call/text me 707-255-0504 or email info@elkhornpeak.com. And please visit us if you make it out to Napa. I’d love to have a glass of wine with you!
Write up makes it sound like grapes were exposed to smoke
@losthighwayz I didn’t get that from the write up. They picked over Labor Day weekend. The fire/ash started a couple of days later. Sounds like they avoided exposure to me.
@hscottk reread it and you’re correct.
@losthighwayz
we picked two days before the smoke. It was a miraculous pick call. Had we picked two days later, the fruit would have been destroyed. But it was a very hot year so the wine is a bit higher alcohol, with more bold flavors; things like black cherry vs. red cherry.
@hscottk @losthighwayz correct - thanks for using your arithmetic skills to debunk this haha
14.8%….hmmm….this seems more of a full body PN, I generally prefer lighter to medium PN. Any rats able to verify, or better yet, is my reasoning off base?
@coolac5 I was thinking the same thing and also hoping for some rats
@coolac5
your intuition is right, we do make a fuller Pinot Noir, it still shows plenty of red fruit and other interesting characteristics like tea leaves. We attribute the flavors and style to our site - we have a very interesting soil composition that produces tiny, intense berries.
I purchased a 3 pack of the 2019 which looks to have a similar composition to this 2020, drank a bottle in December. My short note in CT (can’t believe I actually recorded one, my % of keeping CT updated is about 10)… “bigger style, dark fruited, tannin to resolve?”
I drink a ton of pinot, and while definitely well done, my sample size of a single bottle was not exactly in my wheelhouse. What’s that say about the 2020? Probably nothing, so probably just more useless information fwiw…ha!
@kaolis this is super helpful! The 2019 offer page shows 14.5%, and the stellar producer participation in that offer also seemed to confirm this is a big Pinot.
@kaolis I also bought three of the 2019 last year, and you’ve summed it up perfectly. I gravitate more toward lighter and more austere PN, but this was well done, the winery’s participation was topnotch, and the people I served it to raved over it. Those three bottles are long gone, and I considered getting three today, but I’ve been very picky lately about what I buy, and I’m going to pass.
@InFrom @kaolis appreciate the support on our last offer - thank you. Why not pick up a few bottles for the upcoming holiday season if everyone you served it to raved about it?
small producer asking for the sale! Haha thanks for stopping by either way and for the accurate review of our Pinot Noir style.
@ElkhornPeak @kaolis Lol it never hurts to ask!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations)
2020 Elkhorn Peak Cellars Pinot Noir - $94 = 30.92%
@Mark_L this is the a killer price on our Pinots!
Sorry for my late post, was traveling early this am for a weekend getaway. But nonetheless I am here to rat for you.
The natural cork pulled out easy enough, with minimal staining and no sediment. The wine poured darker than I usually like for my Pinot’s. I prefer my Pinot Noir lighter in color, almost see thru.
On initial sniff, I detected cherries and red berries, some baking spice and maybe cigar box.
First sip revealed cherry, raspberry, rhubarb and a little smokiness on the finish. The fruit came off as more of stewed fruits rather than fresh.
This is definitely a bigger richer Pinot. Med body, med acidity, lower tannins. It has a savory quality and a long silky finish.
If you like bigger, bolder Pinot’s, this would be the one. It drinks like a well made wine. I guessed $60+ from the winery and probably $20-$25 on CM. So I see the offering is below that so maybe a good grab. I will probably pass on this one.
Cheers, Mates
@smoothie72 great and very accurate review - thank you!
One more photo fwiw
@smittypap caught this is Reserve, 2019 is regular bottling. So not only what was thought to be better barrels but different oak regimen as well. This saw 15% new, none for the 2019. Maybe @ElkhornPeak will chime in again. @Winedavid59
@kaolis the difference between our “traditional” (aka non-reserve) and the Reserve Pinot Noir is the oak - that’s really the only difference. We picked all of the Pinot Noir at the same time, fermented it all together, and then barreled down in mostly neutral oak and just a few new oak barrels. The blend for the Reserve included all of the new oak barrels, whereas the traditional was all neutral oak barrels. It’s a really interesting example of how oak affects wine.
@ElkhornPeak So no particular barrel selection, it’s just that one was all neutral, the other saw some new?
@kaolis we sample every barrel as we blend and the barrels that age in new oak are quite tannic by comparison. Usually the final blend for the reserve comes out to about 10% new oak, 90% neutral. We’ve gone as high as 20% but usually we only go that high in a cold growing year when we want to create more weight to the Reserve. 2020 was not a cool growing year so we used a minimum about of new oak. The neutral oak we sample, we are just looking for interesting components that we think would be enhanced by some new oak influence, things like big cherry flavors. We usually leave the more delicate barrels for the traditional blend. Anything we don’t use is bulked out.
I purchased a case! Willing to share Boston/SoNH
@telcomman what a generous offer! And thank you so much for the support
@telcomman I would split or take some.
Drinking window?
@fibercot our Pinot Noirs age exceptionally well. I’m still drinking the 2011s after an hour or two in the decanter (in 2026). I’d say the red fruit peaks in about 7 years, and then gives way to more early flavors. So drink in the next year or so if you’re looking for big fruit, otherwise, she can lay down for the next 5+ years.
Hello! I’m sorry for the delay, I was hosting a sold out grape stomp in the vineyard yesterday…small business owner wearing many hats! I wanted to chime in and address a few comments - this is a fuller Pinot Noir than most. Stylistically we do tend towards a fuller Pinot Noir in general, and the 2020 Pinot Noir Reserve is just that. The 2020 vintage was HOT so the fruit was ripe and the alcohol is high. It’s not a mistake or flaw, we are a tiny producer with no distribution so we roll with Mother Nature, and our vintages tend to vary with the weather. We pride ourselves on a philosophy of no water adds, etc.
I think it’s worth stating here, our consulting winemaker is Kent Rasmussen - the casemates audience knows this legend well! He’s been consulting for us since our first vintage, back in the early 90s, and sourcing fruit from our small vineyard for just as long. Kent’s philosophy is very much to let the vintage speak for itself, he has taught us to embrace the variation in vintages, and appreciate them as they tell the story of the growing season.
I also wanted to extend a personal invitation to all casemates folks to visit our vineyard and have a glass of wine at the source. We are on the south end, just off of highway 12, and easily accessible as a first stop from all of the major airports. I host most of the tastings - sometimes my Dad steps in to host as well - he’s a grower with 43 seasons under his belt and those lucky enough to have a glass of wine with him don’t soon forget it. And if you can’t make it out to Napa, please feel free to call/text/email with any and all questions or comments about our wine. 707-255-0504 or info@elkhornpeak.com. Reach out anytime, and I mean that. I’m the person behind all the devices lol. -Elise
@ElkhornPeak Anybody in the area should take Elise up on the offer! And don’t forget to check out the amazing collection of restored slot machines either!
In for a case but seriously what is my problem? I have so much wine coming in from summer hold!
@FOMOhoarder your username is the best lol. Nice to meet you, and thank you for the wine order. You’re stocking up for the winter, I think it’s a great idea.
@FOMOhoarder living up to your username! (Same here BTW)
@TimW We are protecting ourselves and our loved ones. Sure, NASA is tracking the asteroids. But if one slips through? We will need these stockpiles!
@ElkhornPeak TY looking forward to it!!
Wow, what a crazy growing season sending good ju ju things get better. Its a tough industry in a good year.
Full bodied, Age worthy, Napa Pinot?
Great feedback & participation by winery?
Ken Rassmussan consulting?
Helping a small business while getting a great deal? Least I can do.
In for a case. I’ll share with family
@forlich ouch, cases sold out. Well, happy for winery!
@forlich I got you, please email me at info@elkhornpeak.com and I’ll honor this price and would love for you to try our wine.
Happy that I got a case. Looking forward to trying this wine.
Thank you Elise for being such an active participant for your winery! Hopefully you have a sell out!
Wow, sold out of cases, that’s amazing! Thank you everyone, I’m already looking forward to coming back next time. Enjoy the vino
@ElkhornPeak @winedavid59 @wccwinegirl
Any chance of additional from Elise, or aggregating leftover triples into additional cases?
@rjquillin @WCCWineGirl @Winedavid59 were limited and can’t allocate additional wine to this offer, but we will be back in the future!
I absolutely love the bigger, bolder Pinots so I had to jump on this offer even though I have way too much wine in my cellar already.
Got a shipping notice from UPS: Will be delivered tomorrow!