Nose
The 2008 Elivette opens with aromas of dark berry fruit and a pretty floral perfume, highlighted by cinnamon spice and dry cocoa. The nuance of toasted almond and cherry liqueur accentuates a complex and layered impression.
Palate
On the palate, the wine is soft and elegant with prominent flavors of raspberry jam, black cherry and espresso. The mid-palate is redolent with both black and red fruit, supported beautifully by round, coated tannins and a long, languid finish. In its youth, decant for 2 to 3 hours to fully open the many layers of this wine. Approachable now, but will reward cellaring.
Growing Conditions
2008 continued the dry pattern begun in 2007, making it the 2nd year in a 3-year drought cycle in Napa Valley. Overall yields were down by about 35%, partly due to low rainfall and hot weather in August and September, but set up by an April frost that damaged new growth at the higher elevations. Fortunately, a new Mistral triple sorting system was in place at harvest to glean only the highest quality fruit. The resulting wines are balanced and show intense, concentrated flavors and aromas. The 2008 Elivette was aged in 100% new French oak for the first time in over a decade.
Bottling
September 2010
Aging
22 months in new French oak from Taransaud, Saury, Quintessence, Le Grand and Darnajou
