2020 Eisele Vineyard (Araujo) Altagracia

Made from the eastern blocks of the Eisele Vineyard estate, an area of the property outside the alluvial fan, that is instead a heterogenous collection of more volcanic colluvial parent material and clay. Prior to 2013,  Altagracia was made from the next-best blend from the entire estate (as a second wine) rather than as a bottling dedicated to a specific portion of the vineyard. Certified organic by CCOF and biodynamic by Demeter. Will be released in February 2023. Savoury, earthy aromas of crushed rocks and gunmetal with a backdrop of dark fruits and floral accents, followed by flavours of violet, black fruits and graphite. The overall character is both darker and more floral than the 2019. Palate-cleansing tannins are very fine grained, with the wine offering a greater focus on acidity compared with the very even balance of the 2019 vintage. Tactile and satisfying. The fruit presence will likely gain with more time in bottle but, even so, this is also a more mineral-focused, slightly leaner vintage. (ECB)