The Altagracia red blend from Eisele Vineyard is not your typical Napa powerhouse. It speaks softly but carries depth, precision, and refinement — the kind of wine that reflects its origin with quiet intensity. Sourced from one of Napa’s most historic and respected biodynamic vineyards, this wine embodies balance, energy, and intention. Much like a hand-assembled Swiss watch, every detail is purposeful, revealing sophistication through subtlety.
Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with supporting roles played by Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, or Merlot depending on the vintage, Altagracia is the second wine of the legendary Eisele Vineyard estate — but never second in quality.
A Vineyard with History and Harmony
The Eisele Vineyard, located in Calistoga at the northeastern edge of Napa Valley, has been a revered site since the 1970s. With gravelly alluvial soils and a cooler microclimate protected by nearby Palisades rock formations, it produces grapes with exceptional purity and freshness.
Biodynamic farming has become the cornerstone of the estate’s philosophy since its acquisition by the owners of Château Latour. Every action — from canopy management to harvest timing — is guided by ecological awareness and long-term sustainability, rather than short-term yield. This harmony with nature shows up clearly in the glass.
The Art of Precision in Winemaking
Altagracia is fermented in small tanks with indigenous yeasts, then aged in French oak barrels, many of which are only lightly toasted to avoid masking the wine’s natural voice. The goal is not to overpower but to articulate — to draw out the fine lines, not obscure them. Like the ticking mechanism inside a finely tuned watch, there’s a rhythm to this wine’s construction, each part calibrated for elegance and function.
The resulting wine is structured yet lifted, dense yet graceful. It is unmistakably Californian in its ripeness, yet unmistakably Eisele in its restraint.
Character in the Glass: Layers and Longevity
On the nose, Altagracia opens with dark berries, blackcurrant, and wild herbs. Floral notes of lavender and violets are woven into layers of graphite, cedar, and tobacco leaf. There’s an aromatic clarity that avoids excess — every scent feels focused, intentional.
The palate is deep but finely stitched. Tannins are present but polished, offering a velvety grip rather than brute force. Acidity lends length and movement, allowing the flavors to evolve across the tongue — plum, cassis, warm spice, and crushed stone. It finishes long, clean, and poised.
A Napa Red That Thinks Like Bordeaux
While rooted in California, Altagracia shares more with Left Bank Bordeaux in spirit than many of its Napa peers. There is no need here for over-extraction or aggressive oak. Instead, the wine relies on tension, mineral drive, and the complexity of its terroir. It’s a wine of proportion — its richness balanced by freshness, its power countered by grace.
This is not a blockbuster. It’s a timepiece of a wine: discreet, thoughtful, and made to endure. Open it today and it speaks clearly; cellar it, and it will whisper even more intricate stories with time.
Versatile, Yet Always Elegant
Altagracia pairs effortlessly with refined cuisine — think herb-crusted lamb, truffle risotto, or roasted vegetables with rosemary. It is a wine that elevates a meal but never overshadows it. Its precision and energy make it equally suited for quiet dinners or contemplative solo tastings.
As it breathes, it becomes more detailed, like the inner workings of a movement becoming visible through a crystal caseback. The longer you engage with it, the more you discover.
Conclusion: Balance Worn Like a Signature
Red California Eisele Vineyard Altagracia is a testament to restraint, detail, and terroir. It may be labeled the “second wine” of the estate, but it’s first in expressing the vineyard’s ethos: purity, longevity, and elegance without pretense.
It’s a wine that doesn’t announce itself loudly. Instead, it marks time with precision — like a trusted watch on the wrist of someone who values thoughtfulness over flash. Vintage after vintage, Altagracia proves that excellence lies not in noise, but in nuance.