The 2019 vintage had an ideal start with abundant winter rains that contributed to good mineralization in the soils. Low temperatures in February led to the latest bud break and bloom since 2012. A cool and rainy Spring put our vignerons in perfect conditions to perform their craft as the plants grew slowly, leading to plush and perfectly manicured canopies. As the season progressed, mild climatic demand combined with a late onset of moderate water stress encouraged good polyphenol development. A warm and dry summer favored a rapid veraison, an even ripening of the clusters and a natural concentration of flavors. All the elements of a historic vintage were aligned. The autumnal equinox (September 23rd) marked the beginning of the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest within the heart of the alluvial fan while the hillside fruit came in last on October 3rd.
There was barely any sorting necessary in the cellar. The perfect ripeness of the skins resulted in a high level of polymeric anthocyanin and moderate tannin levels, leading to very silky and expressive young wines. This 2019 vintage was aged for 19 months in a combination of French oak barrels (93%) and Austrian oak foudres (7%), amounting to 100% new oak.
The Eisele Vineyard grapes are certified ‘Organic’ by CCOF and ‘Biodynamic’ by Demeter.
Tasting Notes:
The magnificent 2019 vintage was born under the best possible conditions, with an abundance of well- timed rain and sunshine with no excess. Intense and sophisticated, the wine unveils with deep aromas of blue fruits, Bigarreau cherries and violets followed by subtle notes of rosemary and pencil lead. The mouthfeel is silky smooth, with incredible definition and finesse. Perfectly ripe and tight-knit tannins support the youthful energy of the fruit, layered with wild blueberry coulis. The very long finish lingers with mineral notes of graphite and volcanic soil, laced with aromas of Madagascar vanilla, cinnamon and wilted roses. The 2019 is beautiful, evocative and complex. Still, so much has yet to be revealed with bottle age. This is the quintessence of the Eisele Vineyard terroir.
Grape Source:
Eisele Vineyard parcels bordering Simmons Creek Vine Age: 27 years on average
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Ageing: 19 months in 100% new oak Bottling date: June 16-18, 2021
1,950 cases made
Release date: June 1, 2022
Reviews:
100 pts James Suckling
"This is sophisticated and intellectual, with an incredible wall of fine tannins that take you deep down into the soul of the wine. Full-to medium-bodied, tight and soulful. Tar, ash and volcanic-soil flavors. White pepper, too. Great length. Shows the first-growth quality of the vineyards, harking back to the wines of the mid-1970s. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. This needs at least six to seven years of bottle age. Best after 2028." (3/2022)
100 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"Deep purple-black in color, the nose of the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon slowly unfurls to reveal a gorgeous perfume of violets and roses over a core of kirsch, boysenberries and cassis, plus hints of redcurrant jelly and menthol, emerging into wafts of pencil lead and truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, featuring very firm, wonderfully ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness to support the vivacious, tightly wound black and red fruit layers, finishing long and mineral laced. It's a stunning, evocative, singular wine that so beautifully captures the long, slow-maturing grace of the 2019 vintage. (LPB)" (10/2021)