Altagracia Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley, California

“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.” – winery. There was barely any sorting necessary in the cellar. The perfect ripeness of the skins resulted in a high level of polymeric anthocyanin and moderate tannin levels, leading to very silky and expressive young wines. The 2020 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet is a magnificent wine that speaks unmistakably of the quality of its birthplace. The wine emerges from the glass carrying the richness of a summer fruit basket with notes of raspberry coulis, blackberry pie, violet candy and blueberry preserves. The nose opens on complex layers of forest soil, pine needles, cacao powder and cinnamon to create a high-tone bouquet. The mouthfeel is round and luxurious with succulent powdery tannins accompanied by black pepper, arabica and cinnamon. The fragrant and juicy finish lingers on the palate with notes of elderberry and rose petals. The 2020 vintage is a very evocative combination of the place and the time that gave it light, highlighting the consistency and elegance of the Eisele Vineyard terroir.