Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Altagracia unfolds with earthy notes of forest soil, humus and pine needles. After a swirl or two, scents of violets, cinnamon and blackberry, spring out of the glass with a hint of sandalwood. The mouthfeel is supple, velvety yet vibrant with tight-knit tannins accompanied by a crescendo of red and black currants and blackberries. This impression extends into a lingering finish of tobacco, cumin and turmeric with a stunning powdery texture of a freshly picked fruit. This mineral expression of the volcanic hillsides is the blueprint of Altagracia’s personality and offers a glimpse of its ageing potential. A spectacular expression of the eastern parcels of Eisele Vineyard.
Blend: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A solid Altagracia with currants, blueberries and pine and bark aromas and some sweet tobacco. Aromas that follow through on the palate to a full body with a well-framed tannin profile. Crunchy at the end. Juicy too. Needs as couple of years to come together. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from more hillside parcels and slightly more volcanic soils, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia checks in as a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Aged in 82% new barrels, it has a deeper ruby hue to go with a beautiful perfume of darker currants, red plums, toasted spices, new leather, and dried tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, it has plenty of classic Napa Valley fruit yet also brings beautiful balance, ripe tannins, and a great finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
While past vintages of Altagracia included some purchased fruit, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia is all estate fruit selected from certain blocks—mostly the more volcanic parcels and young vines. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, it's redolent of crushed stone and a mix of red and black cherries, while the medium to full-bodied palate is supple and creamy, then comes to a rather tannic, compact, mocha-tinged finish. Give it a couple of years in the cellar.
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Wine Spectator
A dark, smoldering style, with currant and fig paste flavors liberally laced with alder, walnut husk, loam and bittersweet cocoa, all while keeping a sense of polish along the edges.
When we arrived at Araujo Estate in 2013, forty vintages had already carried the Eisele Vineyard designation. We admire and respect these wines immensely. Their exceptional balance, elegance and restraint spoke to us, and we found the expression of terroir to be pure, honest and unmistakable. We were captivated and humbled, knowing that giving voice to this place would be both a privilege and a challenge.
As we continue to write the history of Eisele Vineyard, we build on the spirit of stewardship that defines its past. Our journey here is an exploration, a quest to understand this vineyard more deeply — its geologic construct, the variations in terroir, and the nature of its ancient soils. Changes, when considered, are only in service to letting the terroir speak more clearly. To this work, our experienced team brings creativity, curiosity, and an unflagging passion for excellence.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.