I got to taste the Elkhorn Peak “Busting Balls” 3-pack as part of the Monopole Cru/Newbie Taster setup. First, let me say Elise was so kind and responsive to any & all of my questions – pointless or not. Additionally, I have to say how impressed I am by Elkhorn Peak’s transparency. They put almost everything you could ask/need to know about how they make their wine on their website. If you have questions, check it out … or email Elise.
Now, onto the tasting notes:
Elkhorn Peak Pinot Noir 2018
100% Estate grown Pinot Noir
5 clones (Pommard, Dijon 114 & 115, swan and "R" clone)
ABV: 14.7%
12 months neutral French Oak barrels
Garnet color.
PNP at first. Nose is chocolate, raspberries and petrichor with some heat. Raspberry coulis,
cocoa & sous bois. There’s a mature-ness to the wine. Medium-bodied.
Tasting on day 2 and I started to get a broader aspect of primary fruit. The raspberry notes were
joined by some Luxardo cherry and a hint of orange. The cocoa and sous bois was still very
present and delightful. That long finish continued.
Had with a variety of charcuterie and cheese. My personal favorite pairing was with a duck prosciutto
that drew out a lovely strawberry note in the wine. As Elise recommends on the EP website, I
also tried it with some blue cheese and it served as an unexpectedly delightful pairing.
Elkhorn Peak Pinot Noir Reserve 2018
100% Estate grown Pinot Noir
5 clones (Pommard, Dijon 114 & 115, swan and "R" clone)
ABV: 14.7%
12 months French Oak barrels; 10% new oak.
Garnet color.
PNP at first. Nose is plum and a touch of crème brulee. Plenty of plum with a hint of white
pepper, nutmeg and black tea. There’s definitely a hint of sweetness on the Reserve that I didn’t
get with the regular PN, which I’m sure is from some of the new oak. Medium-bodied.
Elkhorn Peak Chardonnay 2021
100% Chardonnay
ABV: 13.9%
8 months Neutral French Oak barrels
Pale to Medium Straw. This is remarkably light color. Lemon, green apple & fresh sage on the
nose. Pear, pineapple, some tropical fruit – jackfruit – a hint of spearmint and white flowers.
Plenty of acid (not the searing acidity of some Chablis, but more than enough to keep this fresh). This was light & fresh and terrific.
We paired with some sauteed shrimp and it was delicious together.
I invited some friends over to join me in the tasting and everyone really enjoyed the wine. Buy with confidence and support a wonderful family operation! Thanks to Elkhorn Peak – Elise & Ken – for letting me taste their wines. And thanks to Todd & the whole Berserker team for setting up BD & all the madness that’s included.