Unveiling Pike Road Wines: A Gem Among Carlton Wineries
Looking for quality, delicious Oregon wines that won’t break the bank? Pike Road Wines proves why it’s a standout among Carlton Wineries, offering exceptional value and taste in every bottle.
Let’s be honest: Over time, my palate has evolved into something of an Oregon wine enthusiast. Or, more accurately, a West Coast wine aficionado.
The days of readily reaching for those $6-10 bottles as my go-to wines are long gone. My expectations have heightened; I now seek more depth and complexity in every glass. While I wouldn’t consider myself a wine snob in the traditional sense, I simply desire more from the wines I choose to drink. Is that too much to ask?
So, when presented with the proposition that a respected Oregon winemaker has embarked on a new venture, focusing on producing high-quality Oregon Pinot Noir for under $20, my skepticism was palpable. The finest Pinot Noirs I’ve encountered in Oregon typically command prices between $35 and $75. A truly exceptional $20 Oregon Pinot Noir? It seemed like a pipe dream.
Yet, it exists. And I genuinely enjoy being proven wrong, especially when the wines in question taste so remarkably right.
The Campbell Family & Elk Cove Vineyards: A Legacy of Excellence
If you’re acquainted with Oregon wines, you’ve likely encountered or at least heard of Elk Cove Vineyards. The Campbell Family has cultivated grapes and produced highly acclaimed Oregon wines for decades, building a strong foundation in Oregon’s wine industry. To illustrate the quality of Elk Cove wines, consider the Elk Cove Vineyards 2014 Mount Richmond Pinot Noir, which received 93 points from Wine Spectator and 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and retails for $60 per bottle.
The Campbell family’s expertise in crafting fine wines is undeniable. I’ve personally enjoyed every Elk Cove wine I’ve tasted. The label has become synonymous with the greatness of Oregon wine and garners significant respect within the wine community.
Therefore, I was excited to discover that they were the driving force behind Pike Road Wines.
Pike Road Wines: Quality Oregon Wine, Unbeatable Value
The same family that established a reputation for producing award-winning, critically acclaimed wines has launched a venture focused on delivering the same level of quality in Oregon wines priced under $20 per bottle. They debuted with 20,000 cases of the 2014 Pinot Noir, available for just $19 a bottle.
The 2014 Pinot Noir received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast and embodies the characteristics I personally love most about Oregon Pinot Noirs: It’s a beautiful ruby-red wine with vibrant flavors of red berries and cola. It’s both wonderfully affordable for everyday enjoyment and exquisite enough for special occasions.
Pike Road wines are sourced from a network of family-owned vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley. The Campbell family works closely with these growers, ensuring meticulous viticultural practices and the highest quality fruit. This collaborative approach allows Pike Road to maintain its commitment to excellence while keeping prices accessible.
The winemaking philosophy at Pike Road emphasizes minimal intervention. They strive to showcase the natural character of the grapes and the unique terroir of the Willamette Valley. This approach results in wines that are expressive, balanced, and true to their origin.
Pike Road offers a diverse selection of wines, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Rosé, and Chardonnay. Each wine is carefully crafted to deliver exceptional quality and value. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Pike Road has something to offer.
Experience the Charm: Visiting the Pike Road Wines Tasting Room
My husband and I had the pleasure of attending the friends and family industry event celebrating the grand opening of the new Pike Road Wines tasting room in Carlton, Oregon. The tasting room offers visitors the opportunity to sample the full range of Pike Road wines in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Located on the ground floor corner of the historic 1910 Carlton Bank Building, the new Pike Road Wines tasting room is open seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m. They also frequently host special events, such as Friday Night Flights, providing visitors with unique and memorable experiences.
The tasting room staff is knowledgeable and passionate about Oregon wine. They are happy to guide visitors through the tasting process, sharing insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, you’ll find the staff at Pike Road Wines to be friendly and helpful.
In addition to wine tastings, the Pike Road Wines tasting room also offers a selection of gourmet snacks and local artisan products. You can enjoy a cheese and charcuterie board with your wine, or browse the selection of handcrafted gifts and souvenirs.
The Pike Road Wines tasting room is a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway to Oregon wine country. The town of Carlton is charming and picturesque, with a variety of restaurants, shops, and other tasting rooms to explore.
Pike Road Rosé: A Summer Sensation
Our absolute favorite wine is the 2015 Pike Road Rosé. This Oregon rosé is simply outstanding. We purchased a half case from the industry event (at a discounted industry price) and already wish we had acquired more. It boasts slightly richer notes than a typical lighter-hued rosé, exhibiting pronounced strawberry flavors and delicate floral undertones. This wine is ideally suited for summer picnics, barbecues, and pairs beautifully with appetizers such as prosciutto and melon, salmon crostini, or, unsurprisingly, strawberry mint ricotta crostini. And all for under $20 per bottle!
The Pike Road Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The grapes are harvested early in the season to preserve their acidity and freshness. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures to enhance its aromatic qualities.
The resulting wine is a vibrant and refreshing rosé with a beautiful pale pink color. It offers aromas of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and rose petals. On the palate, it is dry and crisp, with a lingering finish.
The Pike Road Rosé is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods. It is a perfect accompaniment to grilled seafood, salads, and light appetizers.
Plan Your Visit: Discover Pike Road Wines Today
If you’re new to Carlton wineries and Oregon wines in general, Pike Road wines provide excellent introductory options at affordable prices. If you already appreciate Oregon wines, you’ll fall in love with them all over again, without emptying your wallet. Pike Road is widely distributed throughout the US, in approximately 20 states. If your local wine shop or grocery store doesn’t currently carry them, be sure to ask them to!
105 W Main Street
Carlton, Oregon
Hours: Open 7 days a week, noon to 6pm
http://pikeroadwines.com/
Do you share my passion for Oregon Pinot Noir? What’s your favorite Oregon wine? Share your thoughts in the comments below!