Brian's party at TRATA. Consistent with my previous note, this was drinking nicely. Maybe not quite as good as the last bottle though. This was my last of the 2011. Overall, very nice wine for the $ paid
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Drinking well at twelve years. Leads with green leafy tobacco, spicy red currant, crushed cherry, tangy raspberry, fresh mint, mineral infused red rock, black herbal tea, and emerging tomato leaf. Structural components are well integrated. Moderate finish. Just entering into maturity. Shows lots of complexity, but more elegant than powerful at this juncture. Should drink well for another 4-5 years.
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3rd bottle from a 4 pack, last consumed about 2.5 yrs ago. Delicious Napa Cab, regal and voluptuous, without letting the fruit be over the top. Pretty blueberry, cassis, mint, and espresso grounds. A nod to Bordeaux, without selling out from Napa. Delicious, drink through 2025+.
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With Xmas dinner in Winter Park, Coravin pour. This wine was singing. Still loads of lively fruit (more red than black), ripping acidity, and loads of herbal/green features (presumably from the cab franc). For a supposedly weak vintage, this is exceptional. Got this for around $50 several years ago and it was a steal at that price. Really good stuff. Only one left.
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A bit tart. This didn't improve with air, bit the tartness did diminish a little as the temp. rose, resulting in a rounder, more balanced wine. 90 is the rating at its optimal point.
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Incredible wine. Sorry that this is my last bottle. The tannins are well integrated and smooth. Long finish. Slow legs and very little decanting is needed.
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Brought to K&J's for family get-together. This bottle drank great from the get-go. Really nice velvety texture, medium weight, solid acidity, and some mild herbal notes from the cab franc. Paired nicely with grilled food, especially brisket. This is in a good place now, and should hold there for at least the next couple of years. For a supposedly weak vintage, this was darn nice.
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Out of 375. A beautiful wine right out of the bottle, with a tasty mix of red and black fruits and earthiness. In a great spot now in this format. Almost forgot how much I enjoy ACV.
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Perfumed, deep, rich, balanced, and complex. Hitting on all cylinders at nine years and can probably cellar for another 7-8 years. Just a beautiful wine which gets only better, year after year.
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Tannins integrated with dark berries amd graphite on the finish. Little sharp out of bottle but subdued with decant. Left bank Bordeaux style amd was impressed for a 2011. Wasn’t expecting much but delivered higher.
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Decanted for about 45 minutes and then served with my wife and daughter for dinner. I also opened a 2011 Conn Valley Cabernet Reserve as a back-to-back comparison. The Eloge won the voting 2 to 1 with the women preferring it to the Cab. It was definitely Bordeaux inspired as you could pick out the Cab Franc notes on the nose. Very good for a so-so Napa vintage.
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Very left bank in nature and another example of how 2011 IMO is turning out to be a very underrated vintage. Good producers made very good and elegant wines.
Earthy notes that turn evolved to floral notes with red/blue fruits, and tobacco after 1 hr inthe decanter. The tannins we're very well integrated and help fill out the mid long finish.
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We drank both a 2010 and 2011 at dinner. The wines were very similar - blue and black berries, cassis, and a bit of graphite and cedar. Full-bodied with a very smooth and somewhat fleshy texture. Nice balance and with some grip on the finish. I thought the 2011 was slightly less elegant than the 2010 - but I would not have noticed had I not had them together.
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Somewhat more developed than I remember from back in 2016. Initially shows the cool vintage of 2011 with upfront celery, earthtones, and herbaceousness but settles down in the decanter with cassis, blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, and black plum elevated with gritty tannins and still noticeable acidity. Still in development and not quite as outstanding as other vintages of this wine enjoyed over the years. Still excellent!
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Rich plum, black cherry, tobacco, sage, clove, cocoa, coffee, mild vegetal/bell pepper, perfume, and a hint of eucalyptus. Mellowed out nicely compared to release. Secondary notes are singing. Silky mouthfeel and just enough bite. Opened up fully after about 2 hours. A little thin versus other Napa cab-based wines but it didn't deter from enjoyment.
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The last of four bottles drank over 4 years, and this was its best showing. Soft, plush and flavorful. Bright red currant along with blackberry and spice. A bit of smokiness near the finish. Tannins definitely smooth, the wine's early angularity having disappeared. Quite the nice wine.
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Highly acidic and difficult to consume. Considering professional and CT reviews, it's either my palate or a bad bottle. I suspect it’s a bad bottle since it was purchased from an online action website. Caveat emptor.
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Did not decant. Really enjoyed this unique vintage with more subtle notes and complex profile. Bolder tannins and robust fruit are paired with quiet acid structure and velvety finish.
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1st of 4 bottles. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Black cherry, camphor, blackcurrant, and wet rocks. The tannins are chewy and ripe, there is moderate acidity and a long and lip-smacking finish. Drinking nicely now, and should continue to do so through 2028 or so.
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Camphor on the nose. On the palate, black cherry, blackberry, current, and notes of pepper and earth on the medium to long finish, with light tannins and good acidity. This is probably at its peak, and given the weakness of the vintage it was an outstanding value at a bit under $50.
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Still young, but not certain how much complexity it might gain. Likely not much - but this wine is about instant gratification. Soft, plush, black and a bit of red fruit. A bit of heat, with acidity that builds and carries through to a surprisingly long finish. No discordant notes. Good spiciness on the nose and in the mouth and finish. A very good wine in a challenging vintage.
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Brought to JoJo for Father's day dinner. This bottle was in a very good place. Has plenty of fruit (surprised at some notes saying there was little fruit, but maybe it is bottle variation), and the cab franc really seems to come through in delivering some green/herbal notes that I find very appealing. 13.8% alcohol and with good acidity to keep it from being flabby or ponderous. A very good fit for my palate, but those craving big bold Cabs may be left wanting a bit. This wine is medium-bodied and not that highly extracted, but has much more depth than a bottle of the '11 Estate Cab that I tried recently (that was actually thin and muted, as some have described this wine). Tannins are still noticeable, but not grippy. Overall, I think this '11 Eloge was a success for the vintage, whereas my sample of the '11 Estate Cab suggests a much weaker performance for that wine. Paired well with steak frites. No hurry to drink the other bottles. Might improve a bit with more time but I don't think there is a lot to be gained by further cellaring. I should drink my remaining 3 over the next few years.
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Drank this after the '14 Eloge. Similar nose of melted dark chocolate, black fruits and a hint of oak, but just a bit less refined next to the '14. Definitely in a good spot and highly enjoyable, but the '14 showed a touch more finesse and class.
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Lush, rich, ripe, fruity, juicy, soft, plush, velvety, full-bodied, concentrated, dense. Dark cherry, currant, hints of licorice. I continue to be surprised by how much I like this wine. I generally don't enjoy, plush, soft wines and this is all that (in spades), but it has enough structure to keep it from getting too fat or syrupy, and the fruit is simply spectacular.
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Really nice. Still not a lot of fruit but that is typical of the 2011s. Cab franc lovers will love this bottle. I don't think it's going to get better so drink when ready.
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PnP and with some time in the glass. Not the most complex ACV but wouldn't go as far as thin. Tannins are well resolved. Gut says to drink sooner than later.
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Get-Together with Friends (Santa Rosa): From a vertical of 2006-2011 Conn Valley Eloge. The 2006 and 2007 were my favorites in the lineup. This was my least favorite. Thin, watery, and muted. Some light currant, cedar, and cranberry notes. No finish. 81-83 points. A product of the vintage I suppose (at least that's partially the responsible).
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Lovely structure and depth. Polished tannins, round and soft in the mouth. Shows no signs of the challenging vintage. Dark berry flavors and mocha jump from the glass.
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I echo my 6/2015 note. A little thin but the overall balance is great which makes the wine. The cab franc is firming this up in a iffy year. In a good place now but 5 years left. Great for 2011.
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Disappointed. Pretty thin and average. Really not much going on here. Some cherry notes and a bit of tobacco but it never comes together. We finished the bottle with a NY strip steak but we were all underwhelmed.
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I think 2011 was a difficult year for most of Napa, and this Eloge is not surprisingly atypical compared to other vintages. I find it is less complex and more accessible than other Eloges at a young age, with dark cherry, subdued tannins, leather and some smokiness. It is drinking well now and I personally think it is not a long term cellar candidate, relatively speaking. Drink by 2021.
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Surprisingly open, with nice red fruits, cedar, and some sage from the PV. My wife noted a little barnyard, but I couldn't detect it. Tannins almost resolved. Next bottle in 3 years.
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Better than I expected, frankly. This wine was not good young, so I have been drinking is sporadically. It appears I should have held on to it longer because it is finally a decent bottle. Still more tannic than you would expect with less aroma and flavors than a wine of its caliber should have, but respectable, given the year. Overall, however, just another disappointing 2011 from Napa.
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Aging nicely has really opened up since last had a couple years ago. Aromas of black currant (cassis), red currant, plum and oak. On the palate blackberry, cinnamon, nutmeg and toast. The body is full with satin-like texture and long finish.
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Another terrific bottle (375ml) with a full body, lush, rich, ripe dark fruits and a juicy, velvety, soft texture. As always, much more like a bordeaux than a Napa meritage and in spite of all the cabernet, the flavor is more dark cherry than cassis. Interesting, and different from a typical Napa cabernet-based wine and much richer than one would expect from a 2011. Tobacco aromas become very prominent after about 45 minutes.
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Big dark fruits, hints of vanilla. Tannins were a bit grainy but overall still in balance. I suspect a bit of age will be favorable. Nice wine from a mediocre vintage.
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From a 375. Have had several bottles previously and while just like prior bottles, the fruit was big, concentrated and rich, and the texture was silky smooth and elegant, it also had an unpleasant sour/bitter note that I had not experienced before. I will not score this bottle as it was so atypical.
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Just a fabulous Napa version of a Bordeaux blend that I decanted for 1+ hour and served with dinner. Very silky smooth with an intriguing nose and medium finish providing a very satisfying experience. Drank with Lea and Chris who were up from NYC for the weekend.
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Decanted and enjoyed over two nights, vacuum sealing in between. Enjoyed with food both nights. Still very young for a ACVV wine, surprisingly restrained aromas, with primary flavors of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, and some earth tones in the background. Shows nice balance with the tannins, oak and acidity all in check. Solid finish. I suspect this may be in a dumb phase right now, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon based Meritage, and the 2011 ACVV Cab was great at last check. This is a highly respected producer, I'm certain this will come around in the near future.
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No notes and tasted yesterday from a 375ml. Definitely more like a bordeaux than a Napa cab, but more full bodied, richer and softer. Ripe blackberry and boysenberry with cocoa and earthy notes. Tasty and with great depth, but without much complexity. I'm somewhat skeptical that this is going to improve with extended cellaring. Doesn't seem to have the structure needed.
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Disregarding my previous note (suggesting decant) I just opened and poured. Easily identifiable as Napa with its eucalyptus nose and dark blackberry flavors. Not yet edging to cassis. A hint of earth and leather but the wine is quite restrained, in an elegant way. Not yet willing to show itself completely. Exceptionally smooth mouthfeel and a lovely lingering finish. Not often enthused about Napa Cabernet (in this case cab-based) but this is pretty darn good.
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Consistent with the most recent review I read on this wine, I'm against the majority here. Somewhat bitter, not that smooth. Thin in both color, taste and richness. Fairly short finish. A bit disappointed after the other reviews and rating.
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Decant this wine. I did not and it started out almost dumb - little on the nose or in the mouth. I splash decanted and it warmed a little and opened and became elegantly restrained. So unlike most Napa cabs - tightly knit, dark fruit, a bit of earthiness, lead. All understated. None of the aromatics I associate with Napa - one of the only disappointments. All told, quite a nice wine, especially with some air and some time.
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Decanted for three hours; no sediment. Clear, but dark, ruby red color. Lovely nose of dark berries and oak. Medium-to-full-bodied dark fruit on the palate with good acids and very light tannins. Unfortunately, the flavor profile lacks complexity. Finish is medium length and consistent with initial impressions. At $60, a poor QPR. Probably will be quite drinkable for another five years, but I'd be surprised if it further improves.
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375 ml. A virtual clone of a previous bottle. Huge nose featuring rich, ripe, sweet boysenberry, blackberry and cherry with a touch of earth. Full body, with deep, concentrated flavors, a lush mouthfeel and round edges. Enough structure to support the fruit with soft tannins and mild acidity. Long, fruity finish. The fruit is the star of this wine and it is surprisingly rich and ripe for a Napa red from this vintage. No doubt due to all the merlot and cab franc in the mix. Still a bit young and primary, but very enjoyable. 92-93
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From a .375. Overflowing with concentrated red & dark, ripe, rich, sweet, lush fruit and layers of flavor. Full-bodied and velvety with smooth edges and plenty of grip. Will not be confused with a typical Napa meritage as the merlot and cab franc are very apparent and the wine has an elegant, supple, right-bank bordeaux character.
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Pop and pour: Eucalyptus and a bit of earth on the nose. On the palate, currant, blackberry, a bit of vanilla oak, and strong notes of bitter ash/tobacco and alkali cocoa (probably from the Cabernet Franc) on the medium to long finish, with light tannins and moderate acidity. This is smooth and elegant, rather than being a powerhouse Napa Cab. It should improve a bit, but from the weak tannins I suspect its aging curve will be short -- not a problem, since it is a pleasure to drink already. This is a nice success from the maligned 2011 vintage, and a very good value at about $50. Edit: On the second day this has become better integrated, losing some of the bitterness on the finish and showing a little sweet fruit and black pepper instead. It may last longer and improve more than I thought, although it's going to be hard to keep my hands off of them long enough to find out.
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60/20/15/5 Cabernet/Cab Franc/Merlot/Petit Verdot. Nose pretty classic but maybe a little ordinary. Napa style shows oak, sweet herbs, dark fruit like blackberry, cassis. Palate has more to say, nicely balanced layers, dark fruits, acidity shows well, tannins are a little lighter than expected, finish medium. Possibly the 2011 vintage affecting the power, but this is smooth and ready now.
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Like this more with each bottle. Highly viscous, more spice, chocolate, earth than standard Cali extraction style. Beautiful finish. Classy is what comes to mind - best '11 Napa cab I've had, super impressive effort for the vintage.
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This wine really surprised me. I was not expecting much but it is great. More French in personality than Napa. Deep purple color. Mid weight. Restrained fruit but perfect balance. Very drinkable but will only get better. Best 2011 I have had.
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Anderson Conn Valley Visit (Conn Valley Vineyards): At the advise of the host, had this one right after the conn valley cab '12. Refreshing, somewhat more smoky and earthy than the '12 conn valley cab at this time. Medium plus finish. Medium plus finish, though shorter finish than the '12 cab. Good choice (and I usually prefer the estate to the Eloge so that was a surprise for me as well). 92-93. May open this one over the next 1-2 to see how it grows.
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Nose is beautiful with cocoa and oak. It's a llittle tannic mid palate and wish this had some more fruit. Finish is clean and refined. I don't know if this will ever wow given the lack of fruit so early on but it should lose some of the tannins over the next few years. Probably gets a little better from here.
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The wine looks brick colored. The legs are slow. It smells like red currant, mineral, forest floor, oak mineral and cherry. It tastes like oak, forest floor, cherry and red currant. The body is medium/full. The wine has leathery texture And long finish.
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12/20/2023 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Brian's party at TRATA. Consistent with my previous note, this was drinking nicely. Maybe not quite as good as the last bottle though. This was my last of the 2011. Overall, very nice wine for the $ paid
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11/12/2023 - wmccone54 Likes this wine:
Drinking well at twelve years. Leads with green leafy tobacco, spicy red currant, crushed cherry, tangy raspberry, fresh mint, mineral infused red rock, black herbal tea, and emerging tomato leaf. Structural components are well integrated. Moderate finish. Just entering into maturity. Shows lots of complexity, but more elegant than powerful at this juncture. Should drink well for another 4-5 years.
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8/26/2023 - drrobvino wrote: 92 Points
3rd bottle from a 4 pack, last consumed about 2.5 yrs ago.
Delicious Napa Cab, regal and voluptuous, without letting the fruit be over the top.
Pretty blueberry, cassis, mint, and espresso grounds. A nod to Bordeaux, without selling out from Napa.
Delicious, drink through 2025+.
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12/26/2022 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 95 Points
With Xmas dinner in Winter Park, Coravin pour. This wine was singing. Still loads of lively fruit (more red than black), ripping acidity, and loads of herbal/green features (presumably from the cab franc). For a supposedly weak vintage, this is exceptional. Got this for around $50 several years ago and it was a steal at that price. Really good stuff. Only one left.
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11/13/2022 - ddmhunter wrote: 93 Points
Ageing well
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5/29/2022 - neurovino Likes this wine: 90 Points
A bit tart. This didn't improve with air, bit the tartness did diminish a little as the temp. rose, resulting in a rounder, more balanced wine. 90 is the rating at its optimal point.
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5/29/2022 - H. Eugene wrote: 95 Points
Incredible wine. Sorry that this is my last bottle. The tannins are well integrated and smooth. Long finish. Slow legs and very little decanting is needed.
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5/31/2021 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Brought to K&J's for family get-together. This bottle drank great from the get-go. Really nice velvety texture, medium weight, solid acidity, and some mild herbal notes from the cab franc. Paired nicely with grilled food, especially brisket. This is in a good place now, and should hold there for at least the next couple of years. For a supposedly weak vintage, this was darn nice.
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4/15/2021 - drrobvino wrote: 91 Points
Consumed this 2nd of 4 bottles at the beach. Last tasted 2.5 yrs ago.
No formal TN, but the wine was very good and drinking nicely.
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1/16/2021 - JCGuthrie wrote: 93 Points
Out of 375. A beautiful wine right out of the bottle, with a tasty mix of red and black fruits and earthiness. In a great spot now in this format. Almost forgot how much I enjoy ACV.
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10/31/2020 - wmccone54 wrote: 93 Points
Perfumed, deep, rich, balanced, and complex. Hitting on all cylinders at nine years and can probably cellar for another 7-8 years. Just a beautiful wine which gets only better, year after year.
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10/17/2020 - ClayAE Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tannins integrated with dark berries amd graphite on the finish. Little sharp out of bottle but subdued with decant. Left bank Bordeaux style amd was impressed for a 2011. Wasn’t expecting much but delivered higher.
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7/17/2020 - Arch57 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for about 45 minutes and then served with my wife and daughter for dinner. I also opened a 2011 Conn Valley Cabernet Reserve as a back-to-back comparison. The Eloge won the voting 2 to 1 with the women preferring it to the Cab. It was definitely Bordeaux inspired as you could pick out the Cab Franc notes on the nose. Very good for a so-so Napa vintage.
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1/25/2020 - amauryc1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Very left bank in nature and another example of how 2011 IMO is turning out to be a very underrated vintage. Good producers made very good and elegant wines.
Earthy notes that turn evolved to floral notes with red/blue fruits, and tobacco after 1 hr inthe decanter. The tannins we're very well integrated and help fill out the mid long finish.
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11/1/2019 - rickspicks wrote: 92 Points
We drank both a 2010 and 2011 at dinner. The wines were very similar - blue and black berries, cassis, and a bit of graphite and cedar. Full-bodied with a very smooth and somewhat fleshy texture. Nice balance and with some grip on the finish. I thought the 2011 was slightly less elegant than the 2010 - but I would not have noticed had I not had them together.
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5/18/2019 - wmccone54 wrote: 92 Points
Somewhat more developed than I remember from back in 2016. Initially shows the cool vintage of 2011 with upfront celery, earthtones, and herbaceousness but settles down in the decanter with cassis, blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, and black plum elevated with gritty tannins and still noticeable acidity. Still in development and not quite as outstanding as other vintages of this wine enjoyed over the years. Still excellent!
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5/10/2019 - scotty_b wrote: 92 Points
Rich plum, black cherry, tobacco, sage, clove, cocoa, coffee, mild vegetal/bell pepper, perfume, and a hint of eucalyptus. Mellowed out nicely compared to release. Secondary notes are singing. Silky mouthfeel and just enough bite. Opened up fully after about 2 hours. A little thin versus other Napa cab-based wines but it didn't deter from enjoyment.
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5/5/2019 - randyjc wrote: 92 Points
The last of four bottles drank over 4 years, and this was its best showing. Soft, plush and flavorful. Bright red currant along with blackberry and spice. A bit of smokiness near the finish. Tannins definitely smooth, the wine's early angularity having disappeared. Quite the nice wine.
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5/1/2019 - oenophilemoose wrote: flawed
Highly acidic and difficult to consume. Considering professional and CT reviews, it's either my palate or a bad bottle. I suspect it’s a bad bottle since it was purchased from an online action website. Caveat emptor.
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4/14/2019 - cdp1276 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Did not decant. Really enjoyed this unique vintage with more subtle notes and complex profile. Bolder tannins and robust fruit are paired with quiet acid structure and velvety finish.
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3/2/2019 - epmeehan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really enjoyed without decanting. Looking forward to the remaining bottles.
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11/16/2018 - drrobvino wrote: 92 Points
1st of 4 bottles. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.
Black cherry, camphor, blackcurrant, and wet rocks.
The tannins are chewy and ripe, there is moderate acidity and a long and lip-smacking finish.
Drinking nicely now, and should continue to do so through 2028 or so.
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10/20/2018 - RichardP wrote: 93 Points
Camphor on the nose. On the palate, black cherry, blackberry, current, and notes of pepper and earth on the medium to long finish, with light tannins and good acidity. This is probably at its peak, and given the weakness of the vintage it was an outstanding value at a bit under $50.
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8/12/2018 - randyjc wrote: 91 Points
Still young, but not certain how much complexity it might gain. Likely not much - but this wine is about instant gratification. Soft, plush, black and a bit of red fruit. A bit of heat, with acidity that builds and carries through to a surprisingly long finish. No discordant notes. Good spiciness on the nose and in the mouth and finish. A very good wine in a challenging vintage.
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6/17/2018 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Brought to JoJo for Father's day dinner. This bottle was in a very good place. Has plenty of fruit (surprised at some notes saying there was little fruit, but maybe it is bottle variation), and the cab franc really seems to come through in delivering some green/herbal notes that I find very appealing. 13.8% alcohol and with good acidity to keep it from being flabby or ponderous. A very good fit for my palate, but those craving big bold Cabs may be left wanting a bit. This wine is medium-bodied and not that highly extracted, but has much more depth than a bottle of the '11 Estate Cab that I tried recently (that was actually thin and muted, as some have described this wine). Tannins are still noticeable, but not grippy. Overall, I think this '11 Eloge was a success for the vintage, whereas my sample of the '11 Estate Cab suggests a much weaker performance for that wine. Paired well with steak frites. No hurry to drink the other bottles. Might improve a bit with more time but I don't think there is a lot to be gained by further cellaring. I should drink my remaining 3 over the next few years.
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6/15/2018 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Coravin taste-off: 09 Conn Valley Right Bank, 11 Conn Valley Estate Cab, 11 Conn Valley Eloge, 11 Agharta Mountain Terraces Cab: Coravin taste. This had much more depth and complexity than the '11 Estate Cab. Has nice fruit, balanced by some herbal notes (maybe from the Cab franc). Tannins are there but this is certainly drinkable now. May get a bit better with more time. Very nicely balanced.
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3/3/2018 - ChadRS wrote: 92 Points
Great wine but needs at least and hour of decant to reach its potential.
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1/26/2018 - slulkin Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drank this after the '14 Eloge. Similar nose of melted dark chocolate, black fruits and a hint of oak, but just a bit less refined next to the '14. Definitely in a good spot and highly enjoyable, but the '14 showed a touch more finesse and class.
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1/26/2018 - ecola Likes this wine: 92 Points
A big wine with dark fruit and a rich mouthfeel. Medium to full body and very intense. Smooth on the finish.
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12/31/2017 - PSUSteve wrote: 91 Points
PnP. This had more depth and complexity than the bottle a few months ago.
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11/21/2017 - rickspicks wrote: 93 Points
Lush, rich, ripe, fruity, juicy, soft, plush, velvety, full-bodied, concentrated, dense. Dark cherry, currant, hints of licorice. I continue to be surprised by how much I like this wine. I generally don't enjoy, plush, soft wines and this is all that (in spades), but it has enough structure to keep it from getting too fat or syrupy, and the fruit is simply spectacular.
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10/19/2017 - sdrucker1000 wrote: 92 Points
Really nice. Still not a lot of fruit but that is typical of the 2011s. Cab franc lovers will love this bottle. I don't think it's going to get better so drink when ready.
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10/1/2017 - PSUSteve wrote: 90 Points
PnP and with some time in the glass. Not the most complex ACV but wouldn't go as far as thin. Tannins are well resolved. Gut says to drink sooner than later.
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9/23/2017 - csimm wrote: 83 Points
Get-Together with Friends (Santa Rosa): From a vertical of 2006-2011 Conn Valley Eloge. The 2006 and 2007 were my favorites in the lineup. This was my least favorite. Thin, watery, and muted. Some light currant, cedar, and cranberry notes. No finish. 81-83 points. A product of the vintage I suppose (at least that's partially the responsible).
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8/26/2017 - Tym4wine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Lovely structure and depth. Polished tannins, round and soft in the mouth. Shows no signs of the challenging vintage. Dark berry flavors and mocha jump from the glass.
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8/18/2017 - Ratpack Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drinking well. Tannis have soften up and has a nice finish but the fruit is fading. Time to drink this within a year or so. Don't wait too long.
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8/2/2017 - Skip4wine wrote: 91 Points
I echo my 6/2015 note. A little thin but the overall balance is great which makes the wine. The cab franc is firming this up in a iffy year. In a good place now but 5 years left. Great for 2011.
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6/13/2017 - JKelly05 wrote:
very green, bell pepper, fresh herbs, sage. The cab franc really comes through here.
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6/11/2017 - RJurman Does not like this wine: 88 Points
Disappointed. Pretty thin and average. Really not much going on here. Some cherry notes and a bit of tobacco but it never comes together. We finished the bottle with a NY strip steak but we were all underwhelmed.
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6/6/2017 - StainedGlass wrote: 91 Points
I think 2011 was a difficult year for most of Napa, and this Eloge is not surprisingly atypical compared to other vintages. I find it is less complex and more accessible than other Eloges at a young age, with dark cherry, subdued tannins, leather and some smokiness. It is drinking well now and I personally think it is not a long term cellar candidate, relatively speaking. Drink by 2021.
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6/6/2017 - rloyot wrote: 89 Points
not great
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5/26/2017 - Quarked wrote: 92 Points
Surprisingly open, with nice red fruits, cedar, and some sage from the PV. My wife noted a little barnyard, but I couldn't detect it. Tannins almost resolved. Next bottle in 3 years.
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5/19/2017 - johnmpete wrote: 90 Points
Better than I expected, frankly. This wine was not good young, so I have been drinking is sporadically. It appears I should have held on to it longer because it is finally a decent bottle. Still more tannic than you would expect with less aroma and flavors than a wine of its caliber should have, but respectable, given the year. Overall, however, just another disappointing 2011 from Napa.
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5/8/2017 - Twopawsup Likes this wine: 93 Points
Aging nicely has really opened up since last had a couple years ago. Aromas of black currant (cassis), red currant, plum and oak. On the palate blackberry, cinnamon, nutmeg and toast. The body is full with satin-like texture and long finish.
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4/7/2017 - rickspicks wrote: 93 Points
Another terrific bottle (375ml) with a full body, lush, rich, ripe dark fruits and a juicy, velvety, soft texture. As always, much more like a bordeaux than a Napa meritage and in spite of all the cabernet, the flavor is more dark cherry than cassis. Interesting, and different from a typical Napa cabernet-based wine and much richer than one would expect from a 2011. Tobacco aromas become very prominent after about 45 minutes.
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3/1/2017 - mpdonnel Likes this wine: 91 Points
Big dark fruits, hints of vanilla. Tannins were a bit grainy but overall still in balance. I suspect a bit of age will be favorable. Nice wine from a mediocre vintage.
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2/15/2017 - JCGuthrie Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking really well. A great wine from an under appreciated vintage
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12/30/2016 - rickspicks wrote:
From a 375. Have had several bottles previously and while just like prior bottles, the fruit was big, concentrated and rich, and the texture was silky smooth and elegant, it also had an unpleasant sour/bitter note that I had not experienced before. I will not score this bottle as it was so atypical.
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12/3/2016 - neurovino Likes this wine: 92 Points
Modern but elegant. Opened over 90 minutes which improved an already excellent bottle.
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10/21/2016 - Arch57 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Just a fabulous Napa version of a Bordeaux blend that I decanted for 1+ hour and served with dinner. Very silky smooth with an intriguing nose and medium finish providing a very satisfying experience. Drank with Lea and Chris who were up from NYC for the weekend.
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10/2/2016 - wmccone54 wrote: 91 Points
Decanted and enjoyed over two nights, vacuum sealing in between. Enjoyed with food both nights. Still very young for a ACVV wine, surprisingly restrained aromas, with primary flavors of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, and some earth tones in the background. Shows nice balance with the tannins, oak and acidity all in check. Solid finish. I suspect this may be in a dumb phase right now, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon based Meritage, and the 2011 ACVV Cab was great at last check. This is a highly respected producer, I'm certain this will come around in the near future.
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9/28/2016 - rickspicks wrote: 92 Points
No notes and tasted yesterday from a 375ml. Definitely more like a bordeaux than a Napa cab, but more full bodied, richer and softer. Ripe blackberry and boysenberry with cocoa and earthy notes. Tasty and with great depth, but without much complexity. I'm somewhat skeptical that this is going to improve with extended cellaring. Doesn't seem to have the structure needed.
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9/17/2016 - nicholasoh8 Likes this wine: 92 Points
In its drinking window. Decant 2 hrs.
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9/15/2016 - randyjc wrote: 92 Points
Disregarding my previous note (suggesting decant) I just opened and poured. Easily identifiable as Napa with its eucalyptus nose and dark blackberry flavors. Not yet edging to cassis. A hint of earth and leather but the wine is quite restrained, in an elegant way. Not yet willing to show itself completely. Exceptionally smooth mouthfeel and a lovely lingering finish. Not often enthused about Napa Cabernet (in this case cab-based) but this is pretty darn good.
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8/13/2016 - FlyPig Likes this wine: 93 Points
See previous notes - keeps getting better.
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6/10/2016 - macliii Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still a little light for the ACVV Eloge. Very light with a medium finish
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6/2/2016 - moega wrote: 89 Points
Consistent with the most recent review I read on this wine, I'm against the majority here. Somewhat bitter, not that smooth. Thin in both color, taste and richness. Fairly short finish. A bit disappointed after the other reviews and rating.
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5/31/2016 - Alcontd wrote: 89 Points
Very disappointing. Some dark fruit on the nose and dark chocolate. thin on the taste with a bit of earth and lead and vegetable
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5/29/2016 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Black cherry, currant, nice aromatics of cedar and Bdx notes. Soft and drinkable at this stage.
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5/15/2016 - randyjc wrote: 90 Points
Decant this wine. I did not and it started out almost dumb - little on the nose or in the mouth. I splash decanted and it warmed a little and opened and became elegantly restrained. So unlike most Napa cabs - tightly knit, dark fruit, a bit of earthiness, lead. All understated. None of the aromatics I associate with Napa - one of the only disappointments. All told, quite a nice wine, especially with some air and some time.
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4/20/2016 - wculpepper Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for three hours; no sediment. Clear, but dark, ruby red color. Lovely nose of dark berries and oak. Medium-to-full-bodied dark fruit on the palate with good acids and very light tannins. Unfortunately, the flavor profile lacks complexity. Finish is medium length and consistent with initial impressions. At $60, a poor QPR. Probably will be quite drinkable for another five years, but I'd be surprised if it further improves.
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3/17/2016 - johnmpete wrote: 89 Points
A quality winemaker, but yet another 2011 that was picked too soon. Bland, no finish, but a fine drinker. Drink now
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2/19/2016 - rickspicks wrote: 93 Points
375 ml. A virtual clone of a previous bottle. Huge nose featuring rich, ripe, sweet boysenberry, blackberry and cherry with a touch of earth. Full body, with deep, concentrated flavors, a lush mouthfeel and round edges. Enough structure to support the fruit with soft tannins and mild acidity. Long, fruity finish. The fruit is the star of this wine and it is surprisingly rich and ripe for a Napa red from this vintage. No doubt due to all the merlot and cab franc in the mix. Still a bit young and primary, but very enjoyable. 92-93
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10/31/2015 - rickspicks wrote: 93 Points
From a .375. Overflowing with concentrated red & dark, ripe, rich, sweet, lush fruit and layers of flavor. Full-bodied and velvety with smooth edges and plenty of grip. Will not be confused with a typical Napa meritage as the merlot and cab franc are very apparent and the wine has an elegant, supple, right-bank bordeaux character.
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10/22/2015 - RichardP wrote: 92 Points
Pop and pour: Eucalyptus and a bit of earth on the nose. On the palate, currant, blackberry, a bit of vanilla oak, and strong notes of bitter ash/tobacco and alkali cocoa (probably from the Cabernet Franc) on the medium to long finish, with light tannins and moderate acidity. This is smooth and elegant, rather than being a powerhouse Napa Cab. It should improve a bit, but from the weak tannins I suspect its aging curve will be short -- not a problem, since it is a pleasure to drink already. This is a nice success from the maligned 2011 vintage, and a very good value at about $50. Edit: On the second day this has become better integrated, losing some of the bitterness on the finish and showing a little sweet fruit and black pepper instead. It may last longer and improve more than I thought, although it's going to be hard to keep my hands off of them long enough to find out.
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10/18/2015 - cdp1276 Likes this wine: 91 Points
This can definitely sit awhile longer as its young but I wanted to drink.
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10/16/2015 - macliii Likes this wine: 91 Points
Bright fruit and nice acidity with a medium finish. Still young and hope to age some more as it was more elegant than powerful.
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10/15/2015 - GTFreek wrote:
60/20/15/5 Cabernet/Cab Franc/Merlot/Petit Verdot. Nose pretty classic but maybe a little ordinary. Napa style shows oak, sweet herbs, dark fruit like blackberry, cassis. Palate has more to say, nicely balanced layers, dark fruits, acidity shows well, tannins are a little lighter than expected, finish medium. Possibly the 2011 vintage affecting the power, but this is smooth and ready now.
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9/6/2015 - H. Eugene Likes this wine: 92 Points
Solid Napa Cab. Decanted for 4 hours
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8/30/2015 - FlyPig Likes this wine: 93 Points
Like this more with each bottle. Highly viscous, more spice, chocolate, earth than standard Cali extraction style. Beautiful finish. Classy is what comes to mind - best '11 Napa cab I've had, super impressive effort for the vintage.
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7/18/2015 - Matt and Rebecca Likes this wine: 89 Points
Solid Napa Cabernet. Much better after 2 hour decant.
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6/17/2015 - Skip4wine wrote: 92 Points
This wine really surprised me. I was not expecting much but it is great. More French in personality than Napa. Deep purple color. Mid weight. Restrained fruit but perfect balance. Very drinkable but will only get better. Best 2011 I have had.
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6/13/2015 - r&j Likes this wine: 90 Points
A bit tight and shut down. I will wait a couple more years before trying again
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6/13/2015 - Savannahman wrote: 90 Points
Very nice cab, I will definitely buy more of this.
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6/7/2015 - Cristal2000 Likes this wine: 93 Points
One of the best wines I've had from 2011 vintage. For $49 on last bottle, this is an incredible QPR.
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6/5/2015 - Cgallivan Likes this wine: 97 Points
Damn near perfect. Top notch fruit, mid palate and finish. Will age gracefully for 15 years.
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5/24/2015 - odds Likes this wine: 92 Points
Anderson Conn Valley Visit (Conn Valley Vineyards): At the advise of the host, had this one right after the conn valley cab '12. Refreshing, somewhat more smoky and earthy than the '12 conn valley cab at this time. Medium plus finish. Medium plus finish, though shorter finish than the '12 cab. Good choice (and I usually prefer the estate to the Eloge so that was a surprise for me as well).
92-93. May open this one over the next 1-2 to see how it grows.
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5/7/2015 - sdrucker1000 wrote: 91 Points
Nose is beautiful with cocoa and oak. It's a llittle tannic mid palate and wish this had some more fruit. Finish is clean and refined. I don't know if this will ever wow given the lack of fruit so early on but it should lose some of the tannins over the next few years. Probably gets a little better from here.
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5/1/2015 - theoz wrote: 93 Points
I love their Right Bank and this is like RB's big brother. Very tasty.
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4/8/2015 - Twopawsup Likes this wine: 90 Points
The wine looks brick colored. The legs are slow. It smells like red currant, mineral, forest floor, oak mineral and cherry. It tastes like oak, forest floor, cherry and red currant. The body is medium/full. The wine has leathery texture And long finish.
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2/21/2015 - kingboo wrote: 94 Points
Their 2011 Eloge is a beauty. At the winery tasting. Enjoy.
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