Spring Mountain Vineyard 'Elivette' 2016

Spring Mountain Vineyard 'Elivette' 2016 is the flagship Bordeaux-style blend from this historic estate situated on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains in the Spring Mountain District. Sourced entirely from the winery's high-elevation, terraced vineyard blocks that range from 400 to 1,600 feet in altitude, the vines grow in a complex mosaic of sedimentary sandstone and volcanic soils. Aged extensively in French oak barrels, it displays an opaque, deep garnet-purple core in the glass. The bouquet is intense, perfumed, and multifaceted, revealing concentrated aromas of ripe boysenberry, cassis, wild blackberry, and dark plum compote, seamlessly layered with notes of graphite, crushed stone minerality, fresh tobacco leaf, espresso, and warm baking spices. On the palate, it exhibits impressive mountain concentration, balance, and vertical depth, characterized by fine-grained architectural tannins, mouthwatering natural freshness, and a lingering, savory, mineral-etched finish.

Food Pairing: Grilled prime ribeye steak, roasted rack of lamb with rosemary, braised beef short ribs, venison loin, or aged farmhouse cheddar.

96 Points - Wine Spectator

Lush boysenberry, blackberry and plum fruit cascades forth, backed by streaks of charcoal, dark tobacco and roasted apple wood on the finish. Shows heft as well as mouthwatering cut, with a buried iron note resonating through the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. Best from 2023 through 2040. 2,400 cases made.