You know those exclusive Napa Valley Cabernets that only appear on restaurant wine lists at exorbitant prices? The ones that you will have the opportunity to enjoy IF AND ONLY IF your friend of a friend invites you over to spend an afternoon in his high-end wine cellar? 

Indeed, these are the wines that many of us dream of having within our reach, but today one of those dreams is coming true! Score a pair or two of today's sensational offer from the iconic Eisele Vineyard, one of California’s original “cult” wineries!

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. Purchased from the Eisele family by Bart and Daphne Araujo in 1990, the estate produces a small portfolio of limited-production wines. In addition to being one of California’s "cult" wineries, it has been classified as a "five star" winery by the Wine Spectator writer James Laube and was included in Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s “The World's Greatest Wine Estates: A Modern Perspective.”

Farmed organically since 1998 and biodynamically since 2000, the site is principally dedicated to cabernet sauvignon. 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. 

Altagracia 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 which are farmed to the estate’s specifications. This Napa Valley Proprietary Red, while very age-worthy, is readily enjoyable in its youth.

The 2021 Altagracia unfolds with earthy notes of forest soil, humus, and pine needles. After a swirl or two, scents of violets, cinnamon, and blackberry spring out of the glass with a hint of sandalwood. The mouthfeel is supple, velvety yet vibrant with tight-knit tannins accompanied by a crescendo of red and black currants and blackberries. This impression extends into a lingering finish of tobacco, cumin, and turmeric, with a stunning powdery texture of freshly picked fruit. This mineral expression of the volcanic hillsides is the blueprint of Altagracia’s personality and offers a glimpse of its aging potential. A spectacular expression of the eastern parcels of Eisele Vineyard!*

Check out the press!
96 points, James Suckling:
"A solid Altagracia with currants, blueberries, pine and bark aromas, and some sweet tobacco. Aromas that follow through on the palate to a full body with a well-framed tannin profile. Crunchy at the end. Juicy too. From biodynamically grown grapes."

94 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"Coming from more hillside parcels and slightly more volcanic soils, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia checks in as a blend of 89% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot, and 5% cabernet franc. Aged in 82% new barrels, it has a deeper ruby hue to go with a beautiful perfume of darker currants, red plums, toasted spices, new leather, and dried tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, it has plenty of classic Napa Valley fruit yet also brings beautiful balance, ripe tannins, and a great finish."

94 points, The Wine Independent:
"Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with bold notes of blackcurrant pastilles, wild blueberries, and redcurrant jelly, followed by hints of cinnamon stick, clove oil, dusty soil, and mossy tree bark. The full-bodied palate is packed with vibrant blackberry and baking spice layers, with an approachable frame of velvety tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a perfumed lift. Drinking 2025-2045."

Order the 2021 Eisele Vineyard "Altagracia" Cabernet Sauvignon between now and Monday, February 16th, at 4 PM. Orders will be ready for pickup on Wednesday, February 18th, after 4 PM.

CHEERS!

*adapted from winery notes & Wikipedia