Lovers of Oregon Pinot noir have enjoyed an unbroken string of very strong vintages dating back to 1998. That’s five in a row folks, and the 2003 vintage will make it a super six!

That said, the 2003 vintage in Oregon was the hottest and driest in 35 years! Recorded heat units were 111% of the 30-year average. Vineyards that failed to follow meticulous vineyard practices such as crop thinning and leaf removal and/or that were not located on the best sites, with the best soils, etc., did run into some trouble with overripe fruit and stressed vines. Fortunately for us, Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards suffers from none of the above mentioned maladies. The vineyards are located on an A+ site and are as well maintained as any vineyard in Oregon!

The upshot to all of this is that for those fortunate enough to have all the prerequisites, the 2003 vintage has produced wines of extreme intensity and gorgeous up-front fruit. Big, voluptuous Pinot noirs, that when vinified properly, will be sure to add to the hedonistic pleasures of there imbibers! The 2003 Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards & Winery Pinot noir is just such a wine!