Elyse Le Corbeau Hudson Vineyard Los Carneros, 2007

 

The label states the winery's goal of echoing "the great wines of Chateauneuf du Pape." As a long-time fan of those great Southern Rhone wines, I can say that Elyse has done of very good job of capturing the unique qualities of Chateauneuf du Pape, albeit from vineyards in California.

Lovely bright ruby/crimson with brickish notes creeping in. Not unlike a good CdP. Fresh and dried fruit--raspberrries, strawberries and red plums--very deep and concentrated. Tobacco, minerals, black pepper. Savory and salty rather than sweet with flavors that reverberate and linger. May not age into its 30s as many Chateauneufs do, but this wine is showing well at age 18.