2009 Anderson's Conn Valley Eloge Napa Valley Red Blend

The 2009 Eloge bursts from the glass with juicy dark cherries, flowers, mint, tobacco, licorice and earthiness. I especially like the immediacy of the fruit here. There is pure plushness and juiciness in the 2009 that is impossible not to love. Black cherries, tobacco, smoke and graphite all wrap around the intense, juicy finish. This is a terrific showing from Todd Anderson and his team. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2029. I was quite taken with these new and upcoming releases from Todd Anderson and his team headed by Assistant Winemaker Robert Hunt. A number of these wines showed quite a bit better than they did last year. The Cabernet Sauvignon-based Eloge and the Cabernets Sauvignons are the highlights among the reds. Sadly, long-time winemaker Mac Sawyer passed away earlier this year, something that was quite a shock, as he seemed fine just the last time I saw him just a few months prior. There is one change to the range in that the wine previously known as the Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon is now called Signature. Either way, the 2009 and 2010 are both superb. Tel. (707) 963-8600

The 2009 Eloge is a gorgeous, supple wine bursting with expressive red fruit, flowers and sweet spices. Here the oak seems better integrated and smoother than in the Cabernet Sauvignon, at least at this stage. Layers of red berries build towards the textured, totally inviting finish. This is a striking effort. In 2009 the blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot.