2010 Eisele Vineyard (Araujo) Altagracia

The 2010 Altagracia is surprisingly huge in this vintage. Layers of exotic black fruit, spices, mocha and espresso burst onto the palate with striking depth, power and richness. There is an immediacy to the 2010 that is simply compelling. No longer a true second wine, Altagracia now also includes a small amount of purchased fruit and is being crafted to stand on its own. The 2010 achieves that, and so much more. It is a fabulous effort from the team at Araujo.

The 2010 Altagracia is surprisingly huge in this vintage. Layers of exotic black fruit, spices, mocha and espresso burst onto the palate with striking depth, power and richness. There is an immediacy to the 2010 that is simply compelling. No longer a true second wine, Altagracia now also includes a small amount of purchased fruit and is being crafted to stand on its own. The 2010 achieves that, and so much more. It is a fabulous effort from the team at Araujo. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025+. ||(Not yet released)||This is a gorgeous set of wines from Bart and Daphne Araujo, and their team headed by winemaker Nigel Kinsman and consulting winemaker Francoise Peschon. In particular, the 2010s are knockouts. I won’t be surprised if one day 2010 is considered one of the great all-time vintages at this historic property. Readers may also want to look at my video interview with Bart Araujo on our website for an early look at the 2012 harvest.||Tel. (707) 942-6061 Wine Advocate.December, 2012