Willamette Velvet: Elk Cove La Bohème Pinot Noir 2023

Tasting Notes

Medium ruby-purple in the glass with a plush aroma profile that hits dark cherry liqueur, black raspberry, forest floor, pipe tobacco, and burnt citrus peel. The palate is velvety and layered—silky blue-black fruits, clove, vanilla bean, leather, and spice—delivering effortless depth without harsh edges. Lush, soft, and structured enough to dance with complexity. 

Meet the Winemaker

Elk Cove is a family-run vineyard in Oregon’s Yamhill‑Carlton AVA. La Bohème comes from their high‑altitude vineyard planted in 1985, known for small clusters and intense flavor. A gravity‑flow cellar, hand‑punched fermentations, and about 10 months in ~41% new French oak bring serious texture and finesse. 

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir (La Bohème Vineyard—nearly 40 years old)

• Vintage: 2023

• Region: Yamhill‑Carlton District, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

• Aging: 10 months in French oak barrels (approx. 40% new) after open-top fermenter handling and twice-daily punch-downs 

• ABV: ~13.5% (typical range) 

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 14–16 °C, open up to hour for aromatics

Critic Reviews

• Oregon’s Owen Bargreen: 96 pts — “2022 La Bohème... total knockout, cellaring potential to 2042. Plush, refined, salty and savory with gorgeous red/dark fruit.” 

• Wine Enthusiast (2021 vintage): 94 pts — “Opening notes of black cherry compote, basil, cedar and orange zest... piercing acidity and baritone tannins... long finish with an ovation.” 

• Reddit r/wine user “sid_loves_wine”: > “Damn good Pinot… dark‑fruited, softer style… elegant and balanced.” 

Food Pairings

• Grilled duck breast with cherry glaze

• Pan-seared tuna or mushroom risotto

• Gruyère or Comté cheese plate

• Herb-rubbed lamb chops or turkey breast

Why You Need This Bottle

This is Oregon Pinot noir flex, not fluff. La Bohème 2023 serves a lush, silky profile packed with dark fruit, spice, and velvety mouthfeel—without being pretentious. It’s elegant enough to impress your crew and approachable enough to sip solo.

Ready to taste Willamette finesse with fruit-forward flair? Add Elk Cove La Bohème Pinot Noir 2023 to your cart—free shipping when applicable or with club offers included. Don’t wait: this plush beauty moves fast.