Limited new red from cult producer Araujo Estate. One of Napa Valley's cult producers this is always a limited release.93 points James Suckling: "This is a savory and balanced second wine with plums, berries and spices such as cloves and pepper. Full-bodied and velvety with bright acidity underneath and a flavorful finish. They say they used a little press wine in this and it gives a lift to the wine. Lots of currants and hints of pepper. Traditional. 74% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 4% malbec and 12% petit verdot. Drink or hold. Released now. (4/2015) 93 points Robert Parker: Araujo’s second wine, the 2012 Proprietary Red Altagracia exhibits beautiful blueberry, black raspberry and cassis fruit which reflects the purity that frequently comes from this vineyard. The tannins are soft, and the wine is lighter than its bigger sibling, but it possesses medium body, velvety tannin, and a gorgeous mouthfeel. Already approachable, this seductive, plush 2012 should age effortlessly for 10-15 years.
Aaron Means
Quite closed and tight knit at the moment. Deep dark cherries, plum, hint of licorice, tannic, and pencil lead. Has the stuffing for amazing development. A little heat from the alcohol is my only drawback from rating this better.
Quite closed and tight knit at the moment. Deep dark cherries, plum, hint of licorice, tannic, and pencil lead. Has the stuffing for amazing development. A little heat from the alcohol is my only drawback from rating this better.
9.3Shay A
A few days late in posting wines from the Wine Thief dinner last weekend. A nice selection of wines, most of which I’d never had before. Possibly WOTN for me. Never had Altagracia or Araujo before. The nose on this made me swoon. Silky in every way. Plum, lavender, blueberry, on the palate with a savory and lean finish. Excellent!
A few days late in posting wines from the Wine Thief dinner last weekend. A nice selection of wines, most of which I’d never had before. Possibly WOTN for me. Never had Altagracia or Araujo before. The nose on this made me swoon. Silky in every way. Plum, lavender, blueberry, on the palate with a savory and lean finish. Excellent!
9.4Kevin Ortzman
A very complex Boudreaux style from Napa. Complex with dark fruit, graphite with a long velvety finish. Fantastic bottle!
A very complex Boudreaux style from Napa. Complex with dark fruit, graphite with a long velvety finish. Fantastic bottle!
9.3Knightsbridge Wine Shoppe
Red currant and cherry, mocha, plush texture.
Red currant and cherry, mocha, plush texture.
9.3Jim Trobaugh
A great way to finish dinner with a great bottle of grape juice.
A great way to finish dinner with a great bottle of grape juice.
9.4Jordan Gianelli
Amazing texture.
Amazing texture.
9.6Aaron Means
Big, big, big. Very primary but has a good balance of fruit, acid, and power!
Big, big, big. Very primary but has a good balance of fruit, acid, and power!
9.3David L
12' Araujo Altagracia. Hell yes! 94+ Hold/ Drink.
12' Araujo Altagracia. Hell yes! 94+ Hold/ Drink.
9.4Will Phelps
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
No need to wait, this wine is drinking beautifully right now.
No need to wait, this wine is drinking beautifully right now.
9.4Adam Jesberger
Damn fine. Silky and well made, retains great fruit with all things in balance.
Damn fine. Silky and well made, retains great fruit with all things in balance.
9.5WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.