Description

Eisele Vineyard ‘Altagracia’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

The 2014 ‘Altagracia’ is a sophisticated and approachable counterpart to the estate's flagship bottling, offering a distinct expression of the historic Eisele Vineyard in Napa Valley. This vintage is a precise blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. The fruit is primarily sourced from the estate's Eastern parcels within the Calistoga AVA, where the vines struggle in rocky, alluvial fan soils. These well-drained cobbly soils, combined with the region's warm days and cool nights, produce fruit of exceptional concentration and mineral intensity.

The 2014 growing season in Napa was defined by a third consecutive year of drought and a warm, mild winter that triggered an early budbreak. The season remained consistent and warm, leading to one of the earliest harvests on record. This heat resulted in a wine that is generous and open-knit in its youth, yet retains the structural integrity typical of the site. The estate is renowned for its conscientious stewardship of the land; the vineyard is farmed using certified organic and biodynamic practices, ensuring a vibrant ecosystem that translates into the purity of the fruit. Following harvest, the wine was aged for approximately 19 months in 80% new French oak barrels, adding layers of spice and structure without overpowering the terroir.

In the glass, the wine reveals a deep, opaque ruby-purple hue that suggests great density. The nose is highly aromatic and complex, opening with notes of crème de cassis, boysenberry, and fresh rose petal, which then evolve into savory hints of sweet tobacco, graphite, and "Spanish cedar." On the palate, this is a full-bodied, dry wine defined by a lush, velvety texture. The tannins are powdery and ultra-fine, seamlessly integrating with flavors of savory blackberry, dark chocolate, and a fascinating earthy, mushroomy undertone. The finish is long, mineral-driven, and harmonious.

This vintage has garnered significant acclaim, with James Suckling awarding it a stellar 96 points, praising its refinement and "velvety texture." Wine Spectator also recognized its quality with 93 points, noting its "solidly built" structure and aromatic range. As a "Super Second" wine, it offers an extraordinary value proposition, delivering the pedigree of a First Growth-quality estate at a more accessible price point than the primary Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Given its structure and savory depth, this wine pairs exceptionally well with rich, American-style beef dishes. A grilled ribeye steak with a peppercorn crust is an ideal match, as the wine's fine tannins will cut through the marbling while the peppery spice complements the cedar notes. Alternatively, slow-braised beef short ribs served over creamy polenta will highlight the wine's dark fruit and earthy mushroom characteristics, creating a comforting and luxurious dining experience.