Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon "Altagracia" 2020 (Napa Valley, California) 750mL - [WA 92-94] [TWI 90]
Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon "Altagracia" 2020 (Napa Valley, California) 750mL - [WA 92-94] [TWI 90]
Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon "Altagracia" 2020 (Napa Valley, California) 750mL - [WA 92-94] [TWI 90]
Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon "Altagracia" 2020 (Napa Valley, California) 750mL - [WA 92-94] [TWI 90]

Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon "Altagracia" 2020
(Napa Valley, California) 750mL - [WA 92-94] [TWI 90]


$220.00 $149.97 Save $70.03
/
WA92 TWI90
Size
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Notes from the Winemaker:
The 2020 growing season was challenging from the very beginning, with a combination of warm temperatures and low winter rainfall that prevented an early bud break. The continuing trend in the Spring led to the highest water deficit recorded during canopy expansion and consecutively an early onset of stress. The vines adapted quickly to these exceptional conditions, setting the stage for naturally low yields. Growth was harmonious and the balance between the size of the canopy and the quantity of fruit was perfect. Veraison progressed smoothly as the summer followed a normal pattern of cool nights and warmer days, but heat spikes intensified in September. The dry-farmed Cabernets were picked on September 10th, followed by the young vines. September 15th marked the beginning of harvest for the parcels bordering Simmons Creek and concluded on September 24th, just three days before the start of the Glass Fire.

This 2020 vintage was aged for 18 months in a combination of French oak barrels (90%) and Austrian oak foudres (10%), for a savory combination of ripe fruit and spicy notes. As a result of carefully managed yields and uncompromising selection, 2020 is the smallest vintage at Eisele Vineyard since the 1991-1993 period during which the estate was being completely replanted.

96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot

1,250 cases made

Tasting Notes

The Eisele Vineyard character continues to show more evidently every year in the Altagracia blend, expressing the singular quality of the estate-grown fruit from our Eastern parcels. Very fragrant and expressive, the 2020 Altagracia unveils a floral nose with dried rose petals intertwined with wild strawberries, red currant, cranberry, and a hint of pink pepper and santal. The mouthfeel is round and silky with subtle flavors of black tea, cinnamon, orange peel and cocoa. The texture of tight-knit tannins coating the palate, leads to a long aniseed finish. This delicious and vibrant Altagracia displays a smiling personality that offers a strong and elegant response to the difficulties of the year.

Ratings & Reviews

92-94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia was tasted as a finished blend barrel sample. Deep purple-black in color, it has a fragrant nose of potpourri and Indian spices over a core of kirsch, warm cassis and plum preserves, plus a waft of camphor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully juicy and perfumed, with alluring elegance and freshness, finishing long. Drink 2024-2040." – LPB (Oct 2021)

17.5 / 20 Points - Jancis Robinson:
Made from the eastern blocks of the Eisele Vineyard estate, an area of the property outside the alluvial fan, that is instead a heterogenous collection of more volcanic colluvial parent material and clay. Prior to 2013, Altagracia was made from the next-best blend from the entire estate (as a second wine) rather than as a bottling dedicated to a specific portion of the vineyard. Certified organic by CCOF and biodynamic by Demeter. Will be released in February 2023.

Savoury, earthy aromas of crushed rocks and gunmetal with a backdrop of dark fruits and floral accents, followed by flavours of violet, black fruits and graphite. The overall character is both darker and more floral than the 2019. Palate-cleansing tannins are very fine grained, with the wine offering a greater focus on acidity compared with the very even balance of the 2019 vintage. Tactile and satisfying. The fruit presence will likely gain with more time in bottle but, even so, this is also a more mineral-focused, slightly leaner vintage. (ECB)