Description

Eisele Vineyard ‘Altagracia’ Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical 2013, 2014 and 2015

This vertical collection hails from the historic Eisele Vineyard in the Calistoga AVA of Napa Valley, a site celebrated for its cobbly, alluvial soils and the cooling influence of breezes through the Chalk Hill Gap. The estate is rigorously farmed using certified organic and biodynamic practices, a philosophy that prioritizes soil health and biodiversity to express the purest form of the terroir. While the flagship wine is sourced from specific blocks, 'Altagracia' is primarily derived from the estate's Eastern parcels, offering a unique, slightly more approachable expression of this world-class site. The winemaking involves careful fermentation and aging in French oak barrels, allowing the distinct personality of each vintage to shine through while imparting subtle structural elegance.

The 2013 vintage serves as a powerful opener, comprising a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec. The growing season was warm and dry, widely considered an epic vintage for Napa Valley, resulting in fruit of incredible density. In the glass, it displays an opaque purple color with high viscosity. The nose is complex, featuring aromas of dark blueberry and black raspberry, layered with crushed violets and an earthy hint of forest floor. On the palate, this is a dry and full-bodied wine, showcasing a lush texture and significant concentration. Fine, tight tannins provide a sturdy frame for the fruit, leading to a long, sophisticated finish marked by a distinct note of blond tobacco. This vintage earned 95 points from James Suckling and 94 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

The 2014 vintage is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. Defined by an early harvest and drought conditions that concentrated flavors without sacrificing balance, this wine is often described as the "charmer" of the lineup. It pours a deep ruby-purple and releases captivating aromas of blackcurrant, boysenberry, and sweet tobacco, underscored by notes of coffee and rose petal. On the palate, it is dry and medium-to-full-bodied, distinguished by a velvety texture and ultra-fine, powdery tannins that make it exceptionally approachable. Flavors of plum and blackberry compote mingle with a touch of sagebrush on the harmonious finish. James Suckling awarded this expressive wine a stunning 96 points.

Completing the trio is the energetic 2015 vintage, a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. A warm year with lower yields produced a wine of immense vitality and fruit concentration. It reveals a deep garnet-purple hue and an expressive bouquet of dark cherry, raspberry, and boysenberry, accented by vanilla and cinnamon spice from oak aging. The palate is dry and full-bodied, voluminous and round, delivering layers of blue and black fruits, dark chocolate, and a hint of pine needle. Tightly knit tannins and a touch of graphite define the fresh, persistent finish. This vintage was awarded 95 points from James Suckling and 94 points from Wine Advocate.

These wines offer exceptional versatility with American cuisine. The robust structure of the 2013 makes it an ideal pairing for a grilled ribeye steak with chimichurri, where the tannins cut through the rich fat and char. The aromatic and velvety 2014 pairs beautifully with a slow-roasted lamb shank with rosemary and garlic, echoing the wine's herbal nuances. For the fruit-forward 2015, a gourmet burger topped with aged cheddar and caramelized onions provides a delightful savory complement to the wine's intensity.