1999 Andersons Conn Valley Eloge
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Tasting notes
Medium red with ruby highlights; not totally lucid. Sexy, inviting scents of redcurrant, ripe plum, tobacco, mocha and truffley underbrush; smells like a warm-vintage Pomerol. A supple, plump midweight but at the same time vinous and quite dry; in a rather classic Old World style, showing moderate depth and complexity but finishing with sneaky persistence. The dusty tannins build with aeration. I wouldn't risk holding this too much longer. (13.3% alcohol)
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Eloge offers up complex aromas of sweet red and black currants intertwined with high quality oak, tobacco leaf, and spicy, peppery characteristics. It is lush, complex, dense and expansive, yet light on its feet. This full-bodied, impressive 1999 will drink well for 15+ years. Conn Valley's 1,200-case cuvee of Eloge is one of California's most intriguing proprietary reds. This striking Bordeaux-like blend is aged in 100% new French oak, and is bottled (as are all their wines) without fining or filtration. There is no doubting that the style of wine built by the father and son team of Gus and Todd Anderson looks more to France than Napa Valley. Their wines always possess obvious structure, seem to build in the bottle, and generally taste better after a few years of cellaring, a positive sign. Because of that attribute, my tasting notes can be conservative for the quality of wines produced at this top-notch source for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and to a lesser extent, Pinot Noir. Tel. (707) 963-8600; Fax (707) 963-7818