Previously Araujo Estate, sold to Pinault Family, who also own best of the best properties under Groupe Artemis such as Latour, Domaine d'Eugenie, among high fashion luxury brands under Kering company who owns Gucci, YSL, just to name a few.
Owner Mr. Francois-Henri Pinault envision Altagracia as premier cru and Eisele Vineyard as one of the most storied, finest estate in Napa valley for Cabernet Sauvignon, who once sourced grapes to Joseph Phelps, and Ridge. Now you can only get Eisele Vineyard wine thru Eisele Estate (via mailing list).
This amazing vineyard produces organic and biodynamic farmed fruit, just east of Palisades Mountain range, hence the vines are nurtured by nearby creeks, and the nights are cool in Calistoga.
Our incredible host, Ms Sonia gave us a memorable tour! It was so much fun to hear the narrative she presented and she had answers to all of our questions about the property and wine with ease. We also had the privilege to tour the cave (natural AC!). No flash photography against the wine :)
We tasted five wines total. The recent vintages (2019) were decanted for about 3 hours before our appointment time. Start off with white Sauvignon Blanc that'a not to be overlooked, one of the best I had. As for the other four, Sonia served us one Altagracia, one Syrah and two vintages (2011 and 2019) of Eisele Vineyard.
On paper, the 2011 Eisele Vineyard had 2% Cabernet franc with prior proprietor and after change of ownership the Eisele estate wine is all Cabernet Sauvignon (I.e 100%). Both vintages taste of mineral (oyster) and particularly the 2011 had hint of forest floor (mushroom) as the year was cold and rainy. The 2019 is warmer and great for aging.
The 2019 Altagracia was ready to drink (decanted)! Unlike Eisele vineyard, Altagracia has blend of 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, blended to perfection.
All of us loved the experience and ordered bottles including the Syrah.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to visit Eisele and big thanks to Sonia for the tour and tasting!! I really enlightened by her passion and would like to visit her again! read more