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