Elyse Hudson Vineyard Le Corbeau Red, 2008

This is, if you will, a Napa (Carneros) Chateauneuf du Pape. Crafted from 90% Grenache and 10%  Syrah,  the back label states that the goal is to echo "the great wines of Chateauneuf du Pape." As a long-time fan of the Southern Rhone appellation, I can say that this wine, while very good, is no Chateauneuf du Pape.

Dusty, brickish color. To be expected from a 16-year-old wine that is 90% Grenache. Enticing scents of strawberries and cherries and rather explosive flavors that include orange zest and vanilla. Friendly on the palate as you would expect from a Grenache-heavy wine. Compared to Chateauneuf, what it lacks, in my view, are those savory mineral and herb driven flavors that dominate a well aged Chateauneuf du Pape. 

I bought this wine for $15 at WineBid. This and other vintages of the same wine are still available for that reserve price in this week's auction.