Eisele Vineyard 2023 'Altagracia' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

96 points                                                        
Limited new Altagracia Red from cult producer Eisele Vineyard  One of Napa Valley's cult producers this is always a limited release.

96 Points James Suckling: "A medium-bodied red with a tight and focused palate of blackberries, blueberries, dark chocolate and spices. Solid structure with muscular tannins. 85% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot. Needs three to four more years."

95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Gorgeous red and black fruits, leather, dried flowers, and Asian spice all emerge from the Eisele Vineyard 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot from estate fruit sourced from the surrounding, more hillside and volcanic parcels of the estate. Aged 21 months in 78% new oak with 22% used Austrian and French foudres, it's remarkably pure and medium to full-bodied, with ripe, velvety tannins and a great finish. It doesn't have the same elegance as the Grand Vin, yet it's still a brilliant wine in its own right that will unquestionably evolve for upwards of two decades. Drink 2025-2045."

Altagracia, named after Bart Araujo’s grandmother, is a Bordeaux-style blend vinified in the same manner as the Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. It is essentially the expression of the Eastern parcels of the Eisele Vineyard, completed with fruit sourced from other Napa Valley vineyards where we hold long-term grape contracts and which are farmed to our specifications. This Napa Valley Proprietary Red, while very ageable, is readily enjoyable in its youth.