Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon "Altagracia" 2023
(Napa Valley, California) - [JS 96] [JD 95] [TWP 95] [WA 94]

Winegrowing Information:
The 2023 growing season stands out as a late and distinctive vintage, shaped by an unusually cool and wet winter. After three consecutive years of drought, these abundant rains and low temperatures brought a much-needed sense of relief, replenishing the soils and restoring water reserves. Prolonged soil saturation and cool temperatures delayed soil warming at Eisele Vineyard, pushing budbreak to mid-April—approximately two weeks later than average. Cover crop competition and cool spring temperatures limited early canopy growth on the alluvial fan, resulting in smaller canopies overall, while on the clay-rich volcanic soils these same conditions moderated vine development in a wet year, preventing excessive vigor and fostering balanced, steady growth throughout the season. The later, well-timed onset of moderate water stress limited berry size, ultimately reducing yields while enhancing concentration. The ripening period followed the same gentle, cool pattern, allowing grapes to stay well hydrated through harvest, and preserving freshness and balance in the fruit.

Ultimately, the estate recorded its latest harvest on record, underscoring the season’s slow and steady progression. The young vines of the Altagracia blend (Coyote 2 and Jardin 2) were the first to break the team’s long wait, with harvest commencing on October 2nd. After a meticulous and closely monitored ripening season, grape clusters arrived at the winery in excellent condition. The first glimpse of the 2023 vintage’s exceptional quality came in the vineyard, where late-season berry tastings revealed remarkable freshness and red fruit character. This impression was confirmed during maceration, as the wine gradually revealed clarity, tension and a lively, expressive character. The wine was aged for 21 months in 78% new oak French barrels and 22% used 12hl foudres.

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

Tasting Notes:
The 2023 Altagracia Cabernet Sauvignon offers a youthful, vibrant, and accessible expression of the terroir from the back of the estate and its younger vines. The initial nose is fresh and ethereal, immediately setting the tone. It is driven by bright red fruit aromas, blackcurrant buds, redcurrant, and fresh sour cherry, followed by gentle, comforting notes of white flowers and vanilla that soften and round the profile. With aeration, more complex spicy nuances emerge; including thyme, clove, and Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied and precise, the wine is shaped by finely etched, chalky tannins that underscore its freshness. Signature menthol notes from our terroirs carry through the back end, adding lift and persistence.

Technical Information:
85% Cabernet Sauvignon 9% Cabernet Franc 6% Petit Verdot

Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley

1,195 cases made

Release date: February 11, 2026

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - James Suckling:
"A medium-bodied red with a tight and focused palate of blackberries, blueberries, dark chocolate and spices. Solid structure with muscular tannins. 85% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot. Needs three to four more years." (Feb 2026)

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Gorgeous red and black fruits, leather, dried flowers, and Asian spice all emerge from the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot from estate fruit sourced from the surrounding, more hillside and volcanic parcels of the estate. Aged 21 months in 78% new oak with 22% used Austrian and French foudres, it's remarkably pure and medium to full-bodied, with ripe, velvety tannins and a great finish. It doesn't have the same elegance as the Grand Vin, yet it's still a brilliant wine in its own right that will unquestionably evolve for upwards of two decades. Drink 2025-2045. (Drink between 2025-2045)" (Dec 2025)

95 Points - The Wine Palate:
"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2023 Altagracia (85% CS, 9% CF, 6% PV) spills out of the glass with ready-to-go notes of black cherries, juicy blueberries, and cassis, followed by hints of candied violets, dark chocolate, and anise. The full-bodied palate is dense with black and blue fruit layers, framed by fine-grained tannins and a lively line, finishing long and spicy. Drinking Window: 2026-2042." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Nov 2025)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Now produced using only estate-grown fruit, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Gentle cedary notes frame ripe black cherries on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is framed by dusty tannins. Long, velvety and concentrated but already approachable, it's a gorgeous wine to enjoy over the next 15 years or so. Drinking Window: 2026-2040." - Joe Czerwinski (May 2026)