Even before I was lucky enough to get on the blogger sample list for Elyse Winery, I’ve been a long-time fan. I like Elyse’s approach to sustainable wines, their no fuss approach at the winery and the people have always been knowledgeable, passionate and downright nice. Rick Saunders was our host and we had a ball with him on the tour and trying the Elyse wine line up.
Elyse Winery
Rick and Molly
In 2012, Elyse celebrated its 25th harvest from its very first crush of 4.5 tons of Zinfandel when Ray and Nancy Coursen made 286 cases of their first wine. In 1997, the current winery and vineyard was purchased on Hoffman Lane.
Their focus hasn’t changed – great wines prepared with artisan grown ingredients that pair well with food. Today the production is 10,000 cases with international distribution. The two brands – Elyse and Jacob Franklin are named after their daughter and son.
We tried the following line-up:
- Elyse Chardonnay 2010 – made in a classic Old World style with citrus, pear and vanilla. A chardonnay for folks who don’t drink Chardonnay or who love old world style Chardonnays.
- Jacob Franklin Sauvignon Blanc 2011 – only six barrels are made of this wine and it isn’t distributed outside of the winery. Classic grapefruit, citrus and minerality.
- Elyse Le Corbeau 2008 – a 90 percent Grenache and 10 percent Syrah blend. It had floral notes of jasmine with raspberry and cassis.
- Elyse Syrah 2008 – notes of Asian spice, mushrooms and berry with a spiciness that would make it a great Fall day wine.
- Elyse Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel 2008 – here’s the terrior wine that originally launched the entire Elyse portfolio. Love this wine.
- Elyse Black Sears Zinfandel 2008 – this was a big, big Zinfandel with nice berry fruit, but not a fruit bomb. Lots of balance, pepper, spicy and juiciness.
- Jacob Franklin Mon Chou (my sweetheart) 2007 – a nice blend in a Bordeaux style with notes of green pepper, cassis, berry and tobacco.
- Elyse Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – soft fruits, notes of perfume, floral and hints of oak and vanilla.
- Jacob Franklin Chavez-Leeds Petite Syrah 2009 – blackberry, chocolate, mocha, spice and pepper. This was one of my favorites.
- Elyse 2006 Port Cabernet Sauvignon – this port combined Viognier brandy with great cabernet. It was another favorite and a perfect cheese/fruit/dessert match.
It was a fabulous end to a behind the scenes trip of good wine, great food and great people.
