Elle 2006
Another partnership from Mark Ryan and Chris Gorman? Could the guys that brought us The Ghost of 413 deliver another reasonably priced wine that offers surprising value and an interesting wine experience? Yep.
They need to work on their website and SEO, as I couldn’t find anything online for Cru Selections or Elle Project or Elle 2006 that wasn’t a review. But, these guys do know how to make delicious wines, and that is what really matters.
According to the Seattle Times Paul Gregutt, "It generally requires the economics of scale to offer solidly made Washington syrah priced in the $12 to $15 sweet spot, which is why so very few boutiques even try….created by Chris Gorman and Mark Ryan McNeilly, for their friend Guy Harris, who has just launched a boutique-focused distributorship named Cru Selections."
We really enjoyed this wine; a Syrah and Viognier blend that you just don’t see very often from Washington wine makers. It was light and balanced and a great summer grilling wine that paired well with both flatiron steaks and shrimps right off the grill. Check out Nick Benz’ take on what the best wines are for summer grilling.