On one of our recent nice-weather Saturday afternoons it was a day perfect go out and enjoy some local wine. Elk Cove has a great view and very enjoyable wines.  
 
Wine: Pinot Gris  
Year: 2004  
Price: 16  
Aroma: lime, citrus  
Taste: clean, citrus, tropical  
Wine level/Wine Value: 7/7  
My Comments: great porch wine, medium body, short finish, made in steel so has a bit of acid in it  
 
Wine: Pinot Noir Willamette Valley  
Year: 2002  
Price: 20  
Aroma: roses, red meat, wax  
Taste: violets, cranberry, and cherry  
Wine level/Wine Value: 7/7  
My Comments: full body, medium finish, could be aged for two years, would be great for burgers or backyard BBQ use  
 
Wine: Pinot Noir Windhill  
Year: 2002  
Price: 36  
Aroma: Violets, dark red berry  
Taste: full mouth feel, velvety, cherry, nice softness on edges  
Wine level/Wine Value: 8/8  
My Comments: medium body, medium finish, could be aged for 3 years  
 
Wine: Pinot Noir Mt. Richmond  
Year: 2003  
Price: 36  
Aroma: tulips, berry  
Taste: tannins, pepper, black fruit, cherry  
Wine level/Wine Value: 8/7  
My Comments: medium body, long finish, a great full effect wine that could hold its own against most foods, could be aged for 3 years.  
 
Wine: Syrah Windrock (WA)  
Year: 2002  
Price: 22  
Aroma: black pepper  
Taste: black pepper, dark cherry, plum  
Wine level/Wine Value: 5/5  
My Comments: full body, medium finish. The reason I ranked this wine so low was that, at this tasting, the black pepper seemed to dominate all other aspects of the wine. It was by far the most dominant aroma and taste. In a few years I think the pepper aspect will subside and you will be able to enjoy the other smells and tastes.  
 
 
 
Wine: Syrah Del Rio  
Year: 2002  
Price: 28  
Aroma: roses, wax  
Taste: smooth, licorice, tannins  
Wine level/Wine Value: 8/8  
My Comments: full body, long finish. Great wine for BBQ’s and will hold up to most meats and sauces but light enough not to overpower. Can be aged for about 4 more years  
 
Wine: Viognier Ultima  
Year: 2002  
Price: 35  
Aroma: honey, syrupy, sweet  
Taste: honey, melon, thick  
Wine level/Wine Value: 8/8  
My Comments: full body, long finish, a great late night sipper to pair with fresh fruit. I would do pears or peaches.  
 
For some reason most of these wines made me think of sitting on my porch enjoying a relaxing day of watching the world go by enjoying fresh fruit and a nice meal of barbecue meat and potato salad.  
 
 
Wine Level and Wine Value rankings defined:  
 
The Wine Level/Wine Value numbers are on a ten point scale, 10 being the best possible score.  
 
Wine Level is the rank of wine with no regard to price.  
 
The Wine Value number is the ranking taking price into consideration. If the Wine Value is lower then Wine Level it usually means I feel the price is high, if the Wine Value is higher then I feel the wine is a great deal. If they are the same then it is priced where it should be.