The 2021 Eisele Vineyard Altagracia Cabernet Sauvignon is a notable offering from the esteemed Eisele Vineyard, located in Napa, California. This red wine, composed predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon, with small percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, has garnered significant attention from wine critics.
James Suckling of jamessuckling.com awarded this vintage a high score of 96, praising its "currants, blueberries and pine and bark aromas," and noting the presence of "sweet tobacco." Suckling describes the wine as having a "well-framed tannin profile" and a "crunchy" and "juicy" finish. He also highlights that the grapes are biodynamically grown and Demeter certified, suggesting the wine will benefit from additional aging, recommending it be enjoyed after 2027.
The Wine Independent's review, dated March 27, 2024, offers a slightly different perspective. With a score of 93, the reviewer describes the wine as "deep garnet-purple in color" and bursting with "bold notes of blackcurrant pastilles, wild blueberries, and redcurrant jelly." The tasting notes also mention subtle hints of "cinnamon stick, clove oil, dusty soil, and mossy tree bark." The wine is characterized as full-bodied with "vibrant black berry and baking spice layers" and a "velvety tannin" structure, concluding with a "perfumed lift."
Jeb Dunnuck, from jebdunnuck.com, gives the wine a score of 94 and provides insights into its composition and aging process. He notes that it comes from hillside parcels with more volcanic soils and is aged in 82% new barrels. The blend consists of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Dunnuck describes the wine as having a "deeper ruby hue" and a "beautiful perfume of darker currants, red plums, toasted spices, new leather, and dried tobacco." He commends its "beautiful balance, ripe tannins, and a great finish," while also noting that production is limited to roughly 1,200-1,500 cases.
In summary, the 2021 Eisele Vineyard Altagracia Cabernet Sauvignon is a robust and complex wine with a strong tannin profile and a blend of rich, fruity, and spicy notes. Its biodynamic cultivation and careful aging process contribute to its impressive quality, making it a noteworthy choice for wine enthusiasts.