Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 'Altagracia' 2015

First planted to vines in the 1880s, Eisele Vineyard sits in the northeast Napa Valley, just east of Calistoga at the base of the Palisades Mountain range. Farmed organically since 1998 and biodynamically since 2000, the site has been principally dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon for the last fifty years. Beginning with the inaugural release bearing the Eisele name in 1971, this iconic vineyard has received consistent recognition for possessing one of the great terroirs of Napa Valley. The wines invariably express the exceptional depth, elegance and longevity which are hallmarks of the Eisele Vineyard.

The nose opens with a very expressive bouquet of summer fruit: dark cherry, raspberry, and boysenberries with notes of vanilla and cinnamon. The attack is voluminous and round with layered blue fruits sustained by a hint of graphite on the long finish, bringing delicious minerality and freshness. The tannins are very fine and tightly knit. The ripeness of the fruit transitions effortlessly into intense dark and earthy aromas. This is a great Altagracia with an outgoing personality.

96 Points - Wilfred Wong

Over the last couple of decades I have seen a transformation from power to finesse amongst California Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. The 2015 Altagracia exemplifies this in no uncertain terms. This wine is beautiful and refined. Its aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, leather, and earth and beautifully synchronized. Its elegance should pair nicely with grilled lamb chops. 

95 Points - James Suckling

This is a dense and juicy red with characters of blackberries, chocolate and pine needles. Sweet tobacco, too. Full body and round, polished tannins. A more dialed-in, terroir character than in past vintages.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia has slightly muted black cherries, crushed black plums and cassis with hints of licorice, black soil and cracked pepper plus a waft of tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, rich and expressive in the mouth, it delivers a lot of layers and wonderfully fine tannins, finishing long and earthy.