2013 Eisele Vineyard Altagracia Cabernet Sauvignon

Both 2013s are clearly the finest Eisele wines made under the administration of François Pinault and his top lieutenant, Frédéric Engerer, who also runs the show at Château Latour. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia is a beauty. Dense, opaque purple, a big sweet kiss of blueberry and black raspberry fruit intermixed with forest floor and violets is followed by a lush, medium to full-bodied wine with terrific concentration, light tannin and an approachable style even for a 2013. It should drink well for 15 or more years.

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec. Finer and subtler aromatics than the 2012. The palate here has a core of power that radiates through a silken, very lightly textural mouthfeel. Lots of power and concentration here with a bit more finesse and energy than the 2012. Somehow simultaneously finessed and slightly rugged. Lovely purity of fruit without being about fruit flavours. There are dark notes throughout along with flavours of dark fruit (though not raisin), dark rock minerality and a very well integrated touch of spice. Fine tannin with still a hint of mountain power is nicely balanced with a long finish of mouth-watering acidity and plenty of sapidity to please the palate. Nicely done. (ECB)