Wine Advisor
Araujo, Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is a 1,700 case blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Built for the long run, but accessible enough to drink now, this saturated purple-colored beauty offers up gorgeously pure aromas of white flowers intermixed with cedar, black currant liqueur, and subtle toasty oak. Layered, multidimensional, and pure, it admirably balances power and elegance. For me, this is the finest Cabernet Sauvignon produced at this estate since 1995 (which is drinking terrifically at present). (Release date Fall 2004) Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A compelling example of this noble terroir in the northeastern sector of Napa Valley, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard still has a dense purple color and possesses a seamless personality with spectacular notes of licorice, incense, black raspberries, black currants, crushed rock, and spring flowers. Stunningly full-bodied, multi-layered, with great purity and expression, this fabulous wine is still youthful but very accessible, as the tannins are velvety and well-integrated. This wine will keep aging beautifully for a minimum of another quarter century. Bravo! Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard was produced from the largest crop of this glorious trilogy (1,700 cases from a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc). Its saturated purple color leads to a restrained but impressive nose of cassis, toast, earth, and a hint of cedar. Full-bodied and multi-layered, with impeccable balance and a noteworthy juxtaposition of power and elegance, it is starting to close down ever so slightly and seems more masculine when compared to the 2002 and 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025. Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard may turn out to be the most profound example of this wine made under the Araujo ownership. An opaque purple color is followed by extraordinarily pure, intense aromas of creme de cassis. The wine is opulent and full-bodied, with sumptuous richness as well as balance and elegance. This 1,500-case cuvee, a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, may change slightly prior to bottling. This Napa classic is a potential modern-day legend. It is so seamless that it will be drinkable upon release, and should age effortlessly for two decades. (Price not yet determined, release date 10/04) Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience vertical in London. Deep black hue. The nose is very closed and backward, but quite pure. The palate is tannic, quite masculine but very well balanced with notes of blackberry, raspberry and minerals. Backward but very focused. Firm, slightly peppery, hedonistic finish with a thick coat of unresolved vanillary oak. Attractive but needs time. Tasted May 2006.
About the Producer
Araujo produces four wines regularly: the Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon; the Altagracia Bordeaux blend that also contains fruit from other Napa Valley vineyards: as well as small volumes of Eisele Vineyard Syrah; as well as a Sauvignon Blanc. In some years, Araujo also produces an Eisele Vineyard Viognier.
