WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON
Fruity and savory wafts of raspberry, quince paste, and kombu introduce this intriguing, juicy wine. Fine tannins lend structure to its wild blueberry, cherry pie, and thyme, leading to a sappy finish of pine-resin and white pepper.
 
Elk Cove Vineyards purchased Five Mountain Vineyard in 2005 after leasing the site for several years. Previously it was exclusively used in our Willamette Valley blend, but after taking full control of the vineyard we have found certain lots worthy of Single Vineyard status.
This historic vineyard was planted in 1978 by the Ponzi family. The original 4.2 acres of old vines are comprised of Pommard clone and the entire vineyard is set on a steep southeast slope in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, overlooking “five mountains” in the Cascade Range most widely seen from the Willamette Valley. This vineyard was an important element in the early Ponzi Reserve Pinots and has also been a Single Vineyard selection from a number of premier Oregon wineries over the years.
Five Mountain is now sustainably farmed by Elk Cove Vineyards and comprises a total of 30 acres including the original old vine Pommard Pinot Noir, younger Dijon Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Riesling.
 
IN THE PRESS: [2023 Vintage]
Aromas of cherry galette, strawberry fruit leather and spices. The medium-bodied palate is fresh and inviting, showing bright, juicy red-fruit flavors, rose petals and orange rind. Long, pretty finish. Drink or hold.
– James Suckling (April 2026) 94 Points
Graceful and elegantly detailed, with raspberry and cherry flavors laced with fresh violet, orange peel and zesty cinnamon as this glides along the rich finish. Drink now through 2033. 729 cases made.
– Wine Spectator (February 2026) 97 Points
The 2023 Elk Cove Vineyards Five Mountain Pinot Noir is drawn from old vines rooted in Laurelwood soils, then shaped over 10 months in 20% new French oak, resulting in a wine that feels both expansive and finely controlled. Aromatically, it lifts from the glass with crushed boysenberry, red raspberry preserves, and vivid blood orange peel, followed by savory notes of forest floor, hoisin, and a faint floral lift that adds elegance. The palate carries a broad, full-bodied presence, delivering layers of spiced berry fruit, subtle anise tones, and earthy complexity that unfold gradually rather than all at once. Texture plays a central role here, with supple, satin-like tannins providing structure without weight. Bright, mouthwatering acidity keeps the wine energized and prevents the richness from tipping too far. As it fades, the finish stretches long and multi-dimensional, revealing lingering spice, soil-driven nuance, and a quiet echo of citrus zest. 729 cases were made. Highly recommended.
– International Wine Report (December 2025) 95 Points
The 2023 Pinot Noir Five Mountain comes from 27- and 45-year-old vines planted in Laurelwood soils. Matured for 10 months in 20% new French oak, the nose is bursting with wild berries, blood orange, aniseed, damp earth, mushrooms and floral perfume. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and complex with detailed, spicy flavors. It’s structured by silky tannins and refreshing acidity and has a long, layered finish. 729 cases were made.
– Robert Parker Wine Advocate (November 2025)