Winemaker Notes
Although made mostly with fruit from our younger Eisele Vineyard vines, this wine exhibits a complex nose of cassis, earthy truffle, cocoa, crushed rock and pencil lead, with lovely floral notes of violets and rose petals. In the mouth, it is rich without heaviness, with velvety tannins and a full body that coats the palate, ending with sweet tannins and a long mineral finish. Notes winemaker Francoise Peschon: The 2005 Altagrácia is the most serious and sophisticated one we have produced to date. The fine grained tannins, vibrancy and purity characteristic of the estate are all expressed in this beautiful wine. Delicious now, it will age for a decade and beyond
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.
