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
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 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)
Wow, crazy good deal. Chicago splits?
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.