Brilliant magenta. Lively, mineral-laced red fruit, floral and cola scents are complemented by vanilla and woodsmoke nuances. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and raspberry flavors that deepen and become sweeter as the wine opens up. Shows very good depth as well as energy and closes with solid, red-fruit-driven persistence and fine-grained tannins that add gentle grip.

This opens with tart raspberry and blackberry fruit, then seems to lighten up quickly, adding salmonberry and rhubarb. The tannins are astringent and peppery, with a hard shell. More than the other vineyard designates from Elk Cove, the Five Mountain needs decanting.

The 2018 Pinot Noir Five Mountain has a medium ruby-purple color and aromas of red and black berries with touches of earth, charcuterie and spice. The palate is light-bodied with bright, fresh fruits and a long, juicy finish.

This red is precise and tightly focused, with structured cherry and blueberry flavors accented by green tea that lingers toward powdery tannins. Drink now through 2027. 748 cases made.