The first cabernet vine was planted their in 1964. Some are, hopefully, almost 50 years old! They also make a lovely Syrah. About themselves, they say this:
Protected by the Palisades Mountains to the north and cooled by westerly breezes from the Chalk Hill Gap, this 38-acre vineyard is planted on well-drained cobbly soils that produce a low yielding crop of exceptionally concentrated fruit. The wines produced in this remarkable place have a rare combination of forthright character with precisely defined flavors and fine textures, deep concentration without any sense of heaviness, and the capacity to develop profound complexity with age.Altagracia was first bottled the year of my graduation, that's one for the memory. And an outstanding Syrah is on their hands, a grape I hold dear, here's evidence.
The most recent Syrah rated by Wine Spectator was the 1995, unfortunate there's not more 1995 Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard Syrah tasting notes, printed 4/30/99:
Smooth, rich and elegant, with polished currant, leather, anise, earth and mineral flavors that are complex and concentrated, sophisticated and long. Best from 2000 through 2008. 340 cases made. –JLThe 2006 Syrah was co-fermented with 4% Viognier--think Côte-Rôtie style--with 21 months in French oak. If you've ever seen A Good Year with Russell Crowe, I believe it's based in the Rhone. The restaurant is also pretty good.
Hey want to see something cool? View video on a wine auction at Daniel in New York City, click on this link to a Wine Spectator video on auctions. I'm going to one of those, sooner than later...because I'm all for enjoying the things on my wish list.
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