All wines
Elk Cove
La Bohème Pinot Noir
2019
4.0
Region
USA › Oregon › Willamette Valley › Yamhill-Carlton › Yamhill-Carlton AVA
Type
red · still
Grapes
Pinot Noir
Alcohol
14.5%
Volume
750 mL
Tasting Notes(1)
4.0
Despite the initial signs of cork taint, this wine still managed to offer a commendable tasting experience. It boasts a rich array of ripe fruits, leather, spices, and wet earth. With a solid structure and medium body, it remains relatively fresh and has a long aftertaste. While it is well-made and complex, it doesn't quite reach the level of being truly fascinating.
About
La Bohème Vineyard, nestled within the scenic embrace of the Willamette Valley, stands as a testament to the visionary planting initiated by Pat and Joe Campbell in 1985. With its roots extending deep into the history of Elk Cove Vineyards, La Bohème was cultivated from the most promising vines of the estate's original Pommard plantings. The Campbells, drawing inspiration from both the previous landowners and a cherished Puccini opera, bestowed upon the vineyard a name that echoes with artistic heritage and familial legacy. Situated at an elevation of 240 meters, La Bohème not only commands breathtaking views of the coast range mountains but also benefits from one of the highest vineyard sites in the valley, ensuring optimal sun exposure and air circulation. This strategic location, combined with rigorous pruning and cluster thinning, aims to limit yields and enhance ripening and flavour concentration, marking La Bohème as a source of Pinot Noir that is as distinctive in character as it is in quality.
The 2019 vintage at Elk Cove's La Bohème Vineyard presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities, encapsulating the essence of winemaking resilience and expertise. The season's extended hang times, stretching up to 125 days for some blocks, were a calculated risk that bore fruit under the vigilant care of Winemaker/Owner Adam Campbell and his team. This approach, underscored by meticulous months-long vineyard preparation and a steadfast refusal to hasten the harvest, culminated in a crop with optimal sugar levels and concentrated fruit. In the winery, the La Bohème Pinot Noir benefits from Elk Cove's gravity flow system, ensuring minimal intervention and maximum flavour preservation. Fermentation takes place in small, temperature-controlled steel tanks with manual punch-downs, followed by ten months of ageing in French oak barrels. This careful, hands-on process is reflective of Elk Cove's commitment to expressing the unique terroir of La Bohème, aiming to produce a Pinot Noir that is emblematic of the vineyard's high elevation and the winery's dedication to quality.