2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia
Buying options
Tasting notes
Drinking nicely today, as are most 2012s, the 2012 Altagracia is the second wine of Araujo Estate, which was renamed to Eisele Vineyard in 2013. A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec, it reveals a still youthful, ruby hue to go with a classic Cabernet nose of red and black currants, toasted spices, tobacco, and earth. Plush, medium to full-bodied, and nicely textured on the palate, its sweet tannins and overall balance will keep it drinking nicely for another 15 years or more.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 4% Malbec. The 2012 Altagracia has the ample presence and fruit expression of the vintage on both the nose and palate but the structure continually cleans the palate, and the finish is long and mouthwatering bringing a pleasing overall presentation to the wine. The wine shows the bit more hedonistic presence of 2012 compared to the comparatively nipped in and focused 2013, though it still retains the restraint for which the brand is known. Notes of dark fruit with just a hint of raisin and black plum with a hint of fig – the flavours here are generous and dark without being excessive. Delicious and silky with well-integrated spice and an overall sense of pleasing richness. Very lightly rustic tannins and plenty of mouthwatering acidity to balance. (ECB)
71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 4% Malbec. The 2012 Altagracia has the ample presence and fruit expression of the vintage on both the nose and palate but the structure continually cleans the palate, and the finish is long and mouth-watering, bringing a pleasing overall presentation to the wine. The wine shows the hedonistic presence of 2012 compared with the comparatively nipped-in and focused 2013 though it retains the restraint for which the site is known. Notes of dark fruit with just a hint of raisin, black plum and fig. The flavours here are generous and dark without being excessive. Delicious and silky with well-integrated spice and an overall sense of pleasing richness. Very lightly rustic tannin and plenty of mouth-watering acidity to balance. (ECB)
The 2012 Proprietary Red Altagracia is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot and Malbec. A beautiful nose of red and black cherries, blackcurrants, spice box and earth jumps from the glass of this expressive, fragrant, medium-bodied wine that has velvety tannins, a burgeoning complexity and a savory, lush mouthfeel. This is a strong second wine from this famous vineyard. It can be drunk now or cellared for up to 15 or more years. It’s pure seductiveness.
About the producer
Eisele Vineyard is one of Napa’s oldest properties, first planted in the 1880s. Today owned by François Pinault of Ch. Latour, it is known for its top Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as the unique Sauvignon Blanc.