Winemaker Notes
This elegant red blend is structured with length and a graceful, fine grain of tannin. Vibrant and deep reds and purples introduce Élu, with aromas of black plum and juicy blackberry. The fragrances of anise, graphite, dark cocoa, espresso and toasted barrel add extra depth and richness. Flavors of black plum and youthful blackberry are complemented with a hint of cassis, together with notes of espresso, black pepper and black licorice.
Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A very polished and integrated wine here with a coal-smoke edge to the ripe-plum and black-cherry aromas. The palate has a super plush, seamlessly polished and bright, red-plum core with a very fresh and expansive finish. A blend of 70 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 22 per cent merlot with touches of malbec, cabernet franc and petit verdot.
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Wine Spectator
Juicy bramble and red and black currant flavors mix in this forward offering, with good fruitcake and spice notes filling in on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
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.