2022 Eisele Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet

WINEGROWING INFORMATION - The vine dormancy period of 2022 will be remembered for its extremely low cumulative rainfall, comparable to 2018 and 2021. Coincidentally, the warmer temperatures observed in January and February led to an early budbreak and an abundant cover crop. This prompted us to till more surface than usual at an earlier date to take advantage of spring rain and capture an optimal mineralization window. Spring temperatures set the course for an early onset of water stress. However, the milder climatic demand in Calistoga compared to the rest of the valley and good nutrient content in the soils led to a healthy crop. July was warm and August was mild, which resulted in harmonious sugar accumulation and juicy berries. Less irrigation was needed than in the 2 previous years. The first week of September, however, was hot and dry leading to higher levels of stress. Misting was a great asset in mitigating the heat. A diligent cleaning of the exposed berries in the following days allowed us to bring our Cabernets Sauvignons to optimal maturity.

The Cabernets from the Paloma block at the heart of the alluvial fan were picked on September 12th while the later ripening Olivos blocks concluded our harvest on September 24th. The grape clusters were meticulously sorted at reception and the berries went through optical screening before getting to the fermentation vats. Extraction was gentle and selective during fermentation; maceration was extended for a couple weeks to capture the soul of the wine. This 2022 vintage, whose restraint was compelling at the end of malolactic fermentation, revealed its true personality and its flamboyance while ageing quietly for 18 months in Austrian and French oak casks (33%) as well as French oak barrels (67%). A true statement of the symbiosis between vineyard and cellar at Eisele.

The Eisele Vineyard grapes are certified ‘Organic’ by CCOF and ‘Biodynamic’ by Demeter.

WINERY TASTING NOTES - The 2022 vintage is emblematic of the resilience and the adaptability that the vineyard and our team can deliver together. The 2022 Cabernet is one of the most refined and ethereal expression of Eisele. The nose unveils a perfume of wilted rose, violets, rosemary, and forest floor. After a swirl, the wine emerges from the glass carrying fresh cassis, blueberry pie and red currant aspic with a hint of vanilla bean and black pepper. The unctuous and silky mouthfeel delivers a wave of fine knit tannins framing savory and vibrant notes of raspberry, blackberries, roasted almonds, and a touch of chaparral. The finish lingers with black tea, cardamon and earthy tones hinting at a wonderful complexity to come . A truly luminous and radiant expression of the Eisele terroir.

GRAPE SOURCE: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley