2021 Eisele Vineyard

Altagracia

America / California / Napa Valley / Calistoga

$160
JD 94
Size:
Quantity:

Availability: 12

Certified Biodynamic and Organic

2021 Eisele Vineyard 'Altagracia' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA

WINEGROWING INFORMATION
The start of the 2021 vintage was reminiscent of 2018, with low cumulative rainfall during dormancy and warmer than average temperatures, leading to budbreak on April 1st. This trend continued in the Spring, with the lowest rainfall recorded during the period of canopy expansion (March to July). High climatic demand precipitated an early decline in soil moisture, leading to exceptionally early intervention in the vineyard. As expected, the stop of vegetative growth came early and the balance between foliage density and the cluster size was ideal to mitigate potential heat spikes. Seasonable
temperatures from mid-July to mid-August produced optimum conditions for veraison. The ensuing ripening period was intense with a first heat event in August and a second in September. While the accumulation of sugar slowed down, the berry size remained consistent thanks to misting and canopy management. A long maturation period ensued, similar to 2016 and 2019, producing optimum ripeness of the skins. The dry farmed Cabernets were harvested on September 3rd. The Paloma 1 block adjacent to Simmons Creek was picked on September 16th and the Piedras 1 block on the volcanic
hillsides concluded our harvest on September 30th.

The excellent ripeness level of the skins allowed a classic protocol of extraction and maceration. This 2021 vintage was aged for 21 months in a combination of French oak barrels (82%) and Austrian oak foudres (18%), for a savory combination of ripe fruit and spicy notes.

The Eisele Vineyard grapes are certified ‘Organic’ by CCOF and ‘Biodynamic’ by Demeter.

TASTING NOTES
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 a freshly picked fruit. This mineral expression of the volcanic hillsides is the blueprint of Altagracia’s personality and offers a glimpse of its ageing potential. A spectacular expression of the eastern parcels of Eisele Vineyard!

GRAPE SOURCE
89% Cabernet Sauvignon
5% Cabernet Franc
6% Petit Verdot
Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley

1,468 cases made

Release date: February 14, 2024

JD 94

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. There are roughly 1,200-1,500 cases produced. Reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck, Issue date: December 2023. Drinking window: 2023-2038.

For INTERNATIONAL shipping, click HERE.

We ship within the United States to:

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY.

FREE SHIPPING INSURANCE: We provide FREE carrier insurance for lost or damaged shipments (per carrier terms and conditions.)

FREE WINE STORAGE: We provide FREE 6 Months wine cellar storage from date of purchase. Please choose this option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping for a later date.

SHIPPING: During warm summer weather, we recommend to only ship within the United States with Same Day or Next Day Air service to protect the wines from environmental damage. If you would like to waive this protection by shipping Ground, we will request a waiver be signed.

PACKAGING: Our premium wines need optimal temperature consistency, therefore are packaged in EPS foam shippers with gel pack (when needed) and shipped only during ideal weather temperatures.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, wine bottles will be removed from case and shipped inside a foam shipper box for safety (unless otherwise requested). The wooden case will be shipped separately at Ground service. If faster service is necessary please contact us.

WEATHER HOLD: In adverse temperature conditions, we reserve the right to withhold shipment until ideal temperatures return unless we receive explicit instructions via email to release the wines, voiding any guarantee. We will contact you if a hold is necessary.

FULFILLMENT: Shipments are via UPS.

  • Orders received Monday - Thursday before 2:00 p.m. will typically ship the same day.
  • Orders received Thursday 2:00 p.m. ~ Sunday will ship on Monday.

DELIVERY:

  • Same Day service within Los Angeles Metro area may be available if order is placed before noon, but not guaranteed. Please contact us directly at (626)714-7006 to facilitate expedited service.
  • During extreme temperatures, all shipments are recommended for Next Day Air.

Adult Signature: By law, all shipments of alcohol must be received and authorized by an adult. Our delivery carriers will not release packages without an adult signature and additional charges may be incurred if the package requires withholding or redirection.

*********

We ship within the United States to: Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), and Wyoming (WY).

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
JD 94

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. There are roughly 1,200-1,500 cases produced. Reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck, Issue date: December 2023. Drinking window: 2023-2038.

2021 Eisele Vineyard 'Altagracia' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA

WINEGROWING INFORMATION
The start of the 2021 vintage was reminiscent of 2018, with low cumulative rainfall during dormancy and warmer than average temperatures, leading to budbreak on April 1st. This trend continued in the Spring, with the lowest rainfall recorded during the period of canopy expansion (March to July). High climatic demand precipitated an early decline in soil moisture, leading to exceptionally early intervention in the vineyard. As expected, the stop of vegetative growth came early and the balance between foliage density and the cluster size was ideal to mitigate potential heat spikes. Seasonable
temperatures from mid-July to mid-August produced optimum conditions for veraison. The ensuing ripening period was intense with a first heat event in August and a second in September. While the accumulation of sugar slowed down, the berry size remained consistent thanks to misting and canopy management. A long maturation period ensued, similar to 2016 and 2019, producing optimum ripeness of the skins. The dry farmed Cabernets were harvested on September 3rd. The Paloma 1 block adjacent to Simmons Creek was picked on September 16th and the Piedras 1 block on the volcanic
hillsides concluded our harvest on September 30th.

The excellent ripeness level of the skins allowed a classic protocol of extraction and maceration. This 2021 vintage was aged for 21 months in a combination of French oak barrels (82%) and Austrian oak foudres (18%), for a savory combination of ripe fruit and spicy notes.

The Eisele Vineyard grapes are certified ‘Organic’ by CCOF and ‘Biodynamic’ by Demeter.

TASTING NOTES
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 a freshly picked fruit. This mineral expression of the volcanic hillsides is the blueprint of Altagracia’s personality and offers a glimpse of its ageing potential. A spectacular expression of the eastern parcels of Eisele Vineyard!

GRAPE SOURCE
89% Cabernet Sauvignon
5% Cabernet Franc
6% Petit Verdot
Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley

1,468 cases made

Release date: February 14, 2024

You may also like

Recently viewed