Pike Road Pinot Gris 2023

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Grape Variety: Pinot Gris

Pike Road is made by one of our favorite wineries in Oregon, Elk Cove. Established in 1972 they were one of the first twelve wineries of the Willamette Valley area, founded by Pat and Joe Campbell. Over time they grew to be pretty big by Oregon standards, with 380 acres planted across the valley and purchasing grapes from friends and neighbors. When son Adam took over he shrunk the winery to only what their estate could produce. Not wanting to leave his longtime grower/partners without buyers for their grapes he created Pike Road, which shows the Elk Cove style but at a lower price.

Their Pinot Gris is delicious, a juicy and ripe mix of fresh green melon, pineapple, lemon parfait and cardamom seeds. On the palate it is soft and round, with a nice kiss of acidity that gives it a refreshing finish. This wine hardly needs food but works nice with chicken quesadillas or feta and tomato bake over pasta.