Winemaker Notes
The 2011 Èloge is one of the most elegant offerings of this wine to date. Lovely aromas of dark fruits, like black cherry, and plums mingle with licorice and cigar box spice, coffee, and hints of violet perfume. The compelling aromas are followed by the palate with power and finesse. This polished, yet powerful wine promises to provide thrilling consumption for 30+ years. The length of the finish is remarkably long and satisfying.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.