Mary Elke Vineyards, alas, is no longer. I was fortunate enough to buy some of her final vintages, 2013 and 2014, as the winery was closing out. The vineyards on Donnelly Creek, though, will live on and produce excellent Pinot Noir under other labels (usually for substantially higher prices).Actually, the Elke vineyard grapes had been frequently used by other top winemakers such as Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat and Ici/la-bas for many years. This 2006 Ici/la-bas is one of my favorites.
Medium deep, some browning at edges but no other signs of age. Intense aromas of fresh red berries, flowers and more fresh red berries. Truly hard to quit sniffing, even though I know the flavors to come are even more captivating. Ripe tannins wrapped in lively acidity. Dances all the way down the tongue to a long finish. Has the fruit purity that is a hallmark of good Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.
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