2011 Eisele Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Winemaker Notes: The Eisele Vineyard terroir showed its pedigree in 2011. This Cabernet is vibrant and fresh, layered with distinctive minerality and nuance. The ethereal tannins are simply melted throughout, supporting a delicious texture and prolonged by a lingering finish. The 2011 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet combines deep energy and elegance with a sense of restraint, providing great pleasure even at this early stage of its life. Blend: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

James Suckling - "Compelling aromas of black fruits such as brambleberries, plus blueberries and fresh mushrooms. Asphalt, too. Forest fruits. The tannins just melt into the wine as you taste it. Aristocratic and regal in style and length. A powdery, fascinating texture. From biodynamically grown grapes"


Vinous - "Araujo has long made some of the more restrained Cabernets in Napa Valley. The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is one of the more Left Bank inflected wines in the estate's distinguished history. Beautifully layered and expressive, the 2011 graces the palate with exquisite finesse and total harmony. The 2011 isn't a huge, explosive wine like the 2010 or 2009, but it stands out for its exceptional length and vibrancy. Readers should not expect an obvious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I imagine the 2011 will still be marvelous at age 30, and I won't be surprised if it is one day regarded as one of the great, iconic wines of the vintage. The 2011 has been truly special since I started tasting the single blocks in the Spring of 2012. The blend is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot."