Winemaker Notes
Pretty and floral on the nose, with cinnamon pastry crust, sweet charcuterie, and a bit of olive brine all wrapped in a blanket of ripe plums and black cherries. The finish is full and smooth, inviting another sip to continue the satisfaction.A combination of unique vineyard sites, each parcel adds to the layers of this wine and its polished, approachable character. Spanning three appellations of Northern California, this wine is proof that sometimes the sum is greater than its parts.
Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points
About Elyse
In 1983, Nancy and Ray Coursen arrived in California from Cape Cod to fulfill Ray’s dream of making wine and Nancy’s taste for adventure. After working harvest at Mt. Eden Winery in Saratoga, they moved to Napa Valley and became innkeepers for a bed and breakfast. Ray then spent formative time at Tonella Vineyard Management, where he gained philosophical perspective and practical knowledge working in the vineyards. Ray’s nine year tenure at Whitehall Lane Winery under the tutelage of Art Finkelstein, first as a cellar worker and then as head winemaker, honed his skills in the art of blending and was the inspiration for Ray’s winemaking style. The year 1986 saw the arrival of a daughter, Elyse Sarah.
After thirty years of stewardship, Ray and Nancy decided that it was time to retire. What began as a casual conversation over dinner evolved into the next chapter for Elyse Winery. In October 2018, Ray and Nancy Coursen sold Elyse Winery to fellow Yountville locals, Josh Peeples, and his partner, Cheryl. Perfect timing for both parties, the torch has been passed to continue the same passion for the decades to come. In addition, Josh brings his other brands Elyse, Standard Deviation, and Institution to the Elyse family of wines.
