Spring Mountain 2008 Elivette Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2008 Elivette opens with aromas of dark berry fruit and a pretty floral perfume, highlighted by cinnamon spice and dry cocoa. The nuance of toasted almond and cherry liqueur accentuates a complex and layered impression. On the palate, the wine is soft and elegant with prominent flavors of raspberry jam, black cherry and espresso. The mid-palate is redolent with both black and red fruit, supported beautifully by round, coated tannins and a long, languid finish. In its youth, decant for 2 to 3 hours to fully open the many layers of this wine. Approachable now, but will reward cellaring. Drink 2012 to 2028. Appellation: Napa Valley-Spring Mountain District, Estate Grown and Bottled Assemblage: Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Cabernet Franc 13%, Merlot 6%, Petit Verdot 5%, Malbec 1% Alcohol: 14.8% Aging: 22 months in new French oak from Taransaud, Saury, Quintessence, Le Grand and Darnajou Spring Mountain Vineyard is an 845-acre estate on the eastern slopes of Spring Mountain in Napa Valley