Eisele Vineyard Altagracia Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

160


Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located east of Calistoga in northeastern Napa Valley, Eisele Vineyards has produced elegant, age-worthy wines since the 1970s, although the estate was first planted with vines in 1880. The winery farms its grapes organically and biodynamically, focusing on premium Cabernet Sauvignons that showcase the best of this extraordinary California terroir. The wine is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with additions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Most of the grapes come from the easternmost parcels of the estate and the rest are purchased from trusted winemakers in Napa Valley. The wine is named after the grandmother of Eisel's former owner, Bart Araujo. Altagracia is a voluptuous and refined wine with a deep garnet red color and a complex and layered aromatic profile with notes of cherry and blackberry, blueberry and cassis, and then hints of licorice and sweet spices. Finally, light floral nuances of violet, rose and dried herbs. On the palate, it is bold, generous, and concentrated with a medium-full body. It has soft tannins and a well-balanced acidity. The finish is long and mixes mineral and fruit notes. It is excellent with Rib-Eye steak, pulled pork, or aged cheeses.