2006 Elivette

The 2006 vintage began with the wettest weather recording in St. Helena history! Over 70 inches of rain fell in December and January. Budbreak occurred on the late side, near the third week of April. Bloom and veraison were on the late side and confirmed a later than normal harvest. Summer temperatures mimicked 2005 with pleasant temperatures through September. Heat in October brought the fruit to ripeness. Harvest began on September 20 for white varieties and finished on November 8 with the red Bordeaux varieties.

An effusive marriage of fruit and floral aromas dominate the nose of this signature release. The pungent perfume of raspberry, cranberry and red currant meld with the more ethereal essences of violet and lavender. The purity of these aromas is amply supported by the rich elements of cocoa, cassis and black tea that linger across the palate. The mouth feel is firm, but supple with refined and polished tannins, and the structure is one of balance and beauty designed for graceful maturation well into the next decade.