2007 Eisele Vineyard (Araujo) Altagracia

The 2007 Altagracia (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot) is a 400-500-case second wine culled out from the 30+ acre vineyard. The 2007 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color along with a classic wet stone/crushed rock minerality that is a characteristic of this vineyard, black currant and incense notes, medium body, sweet tannin and an overall sense of elegance and restraint. A very pretty red, it should be drunk over the next decade. One of the most extraordinary vineyards of Napa Valley is the Eisele Vineyard, which boasts a 40+ year history of producing compelling wines. It is hard to argue with the track record of this hallowed ground in the northeastern sector just southeast of the old cowboy town of Calistoga. I had a chance to retaste Araujo’s 2007s, which were surprisingly less promising than my barrel tastings suggested. Both the Altagracia and the Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard have improved – slightly. Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471