Eisele Vineyard - Altagracia Red Wine 2012

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is a savory and balanced second wine with plums, berries and spices such as cloves and pepper. Full-bodied and velvety with bright acidity underneath and a flavorful finish. They say they used a little press wine in this and it gives a lift to the wine. Lots of currants and hints of pepper. Traditional. 74% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 4% malbec and 12% petit verdot. Drink or hold. Released now."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Drinking nicely today, as are most 2012s, the 2012 Altagracia is the second wine of Araujo Estate, which was renamed to Eisele Vineyard in 2013. A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec, it reveals a still youthful, ruby hue to go with a classic Cabernet nose of red and black currants, toasted spices, tobacco, and earth. Plush, medium to full-bodied, and nicely textured on the palate, its sweet tannins and overall balance will keep it drinking nicely for another 15 years or more."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Medium bodied, fresh, licorice, black cherry nose, soft, lush, forward, fresh, spicy, sweet blackberry finish, that shows just a slight touch of heat."