2009 Araujo Estate Altagracia II

The Altagracia II has only been made twice in 2007 and 2009, effectively a seldom and perhaps never again to be offered third wine for Eisele Vineyard Estate, formerly Araujo, where the Eisele Vineyard Cabernet is the flagship wine. The Altagracia II gets some of it fruit from the Eisele vineyard but it also gets grapes from other Napa locations. The 2009 is predominantly Cabernet with some classic Bordeaux varieties added to the blend. 

This wine has a wonderful nose, rich earthy tones combined with dark berry fruit. 

It was slow developing in the glass, a bit closed at first. But after having a chance to develop a bit, it opened up with rich blackberry and spice, with nicely integrated tannins. It has a medium long finish with lovely dark fruit flavors.

I rate this wine a 94. I am sure that the Altagracia and the Eisele Vineyard Cab would be superb wines given the sorting process, but this is still a wine that I am very glad was made. Very enjoyable.  


WR

2009 Freemark Abbey Cabernet

Freemark Abbey has been a noted producer in Napa Valley for a long time. Their wines have not achieved cult wine status, but they consistently deliver a drinkable bottle of wine. They have resisted the urge to balloon in size or with respect to multiple labels. I was dining at a restaurant tonight and after a quick look at the wine list decided that this wine was a relative bargain compared to the inflated prices for a selection of $15 wines or the alternative at $125 plus. I do not usually do reviews from when I am out, but this wine was a superb complement to the meal that I had which was a New York strip so thought I would write it up.

This is not a "special" wine. It is a solid Napa Valley Cab. It hits in the usual places strongly. It starts with fruit, it has a nice not exceptional finish, and it worked very well with the food that I had tonight. It is a dark burgundy color and has a muted nose with a pencil lead finish. The Berries lead the flavor on the fruit and finish through to the end. I would not run out tomorrow and buy a case of this, as it can be found in any number of Napa Cabernets, but I would say that is is a good food wine.

WS 87  RP not rated

WR

2009 Francis Coppola Eleanor

Dark, dark Cabernet Syrah blend with both Sonoma and Napa grapes. Coppola's wife is the name sake  and inspiration for the wine which is definitely a cut above their higher volume brands. I like most of their wine. Very approachable drinkable wines, good with food and with a wide range of styles. Completely consistent with the Italian tradition.

The Eleanor as noted is as dark red. The fruit jumps out of the glass on the nose and reminds you of the big fruit bomb Australian Syrahs. While it is a bold on the nose and has very generous fruit, it is also very well balanced. I wish it had a bit more tannins as I think it would give it more weight. Nonetheless, it is a very nice wine, one that is quite enjoyable to drink right now and should drink well for several years. 

A worthy name sake.

WS 93

WR