2019 Elk Cove Vineyards Goodrich Chardonnay

Elk Cove Vineyards is one of Oregon’s pioneering Pinot Noir producers. It was founded in 1974 by Pat and Joe Campbell, a young couple with a vision for working the land and making wine. Both had grown up in families that supported themselves through agriculture, so the hands-on work involved wasn’t a surprise. Since Joe had earned a medical degree at Stanford University, he supported the family as an emergency room doctor on the night shift, while he and Pat tended the vineyards by day. Elk Cove wines were winning awards by the late 1970s, and the estate expanded. Today it is run by son Adam Campbell, and the estate has 350 acres of vineyards. Elk Cove produces a sizable portfolio of red, white and rosé wines, though they are especially known for their numerous Pinot Noirs, including several single vineyard wines.

Yamhill-Carlton AVA is located in Yamhill and Washington Counties, and it is entirely contained within the Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon’s most prestigious wine producing region. It has 1,200 vineyard acres and was awarded AVA status in 2004. The region grows Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Muscat, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Ken Wright Cellars, Elk Cove Vineyards and WillaKenzie Estate are among the district’s best-known producers. All focus on Pinot Noir.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.