Wine Advisor
Araujo, Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A nose of black raspberries interwoven with floral notes of blackcurrants and spice jump from the glass of this dense ruby/plum/purple wine. This famous vineyard at the northern end of Napa Valley, which in this era was owned by Bart and Daphne Araujo (today owned by François Pinault, the proprietor of Château Latour), can certainly make the argument that it’s one of the first growths of Napa Valley. Sweet, velvety tannin, medium to full body, and extraordinary complexity and elegance characterize this wine, which is seamless and drinking beautifully. While not one of their longest-lived vintages, the balance and purity suggest that, while it may be entering its fully mature stage, it certainly can keep going for another 10-15 years. The finish is easily 40 seconds-plus.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
There are 2,600 cases of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard. As I indicated last year, this is a fabulous effort that manages to conceal its 100% new French oak aging. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by beautiful aromas of blueberries, black currants, acacia flowers, licorice, and spice. The tannins are softer than I remember, but this is certainly one of the vintage’s most extraordinary wines. Full-bodied with a seamless integration of tannin, acidity, alcohol, and wood, it is exceptionally pure and full as well as impeccably balanced. The impression is one of elegance allied with substantial flavor authority. It can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years. Despite having over 40-plus acres of vineyards in the northeasterly sector of Napa just south of Calistoga, the production at Araujo remains relatively limited, with the flagship wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard, producing between 1,600 and 2,200 cases of wine, and the second wine, the Altagracia, between 800 and 1,200 cases. Add to that another 1,000 cases of Sauvignon Blanc and 300-400 cases of Syrah, and there is just not a lot to go around given the greatness that can be achieved from this vineyard. Much of the credit has to go to proprietors Bart and Daphne Araujo and, of course, their top-notch winemaking team, which has always been led by Francoise Peschon. Araujo’s second wines are among the finest second wines consumers will find in northern California. For example, the Altagracia cuvees, which represent 25-35% of the production, have been outstanding examples of Cabernet Sauvignon. Araujo has done an excellent job with Syrah, which they typically co-ferment with 3-4% Viognier. Sadly, only 300-400 cases are produced. Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
There should be around 1,700 cases of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard, and the sample I tasted may be tweaked before the final blend is made. At present it is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. A rich, deep ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of crushed rocks, creme de cassis, licorice, and subtle pain grille characteristics. Pure, with sweet tannin, a richness that builds incrementally, a restrained style, and more austerity than usual, this lovely Cabernet is built along the lines of a first-growth Bordeaux. It will undoubtedly benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring after bottling, and should keep for two decades thereafter. Not yet released. Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
From their 40+ acres of vineyard in the very northeasterly sector of Napa, just south of the quaint town of Calistoga, anywhere from 1,600 to 2,200 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard are produced. The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele (a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot) shows wonderfully sweet black currant notes intermixed with some licorice, incense, crushed rock, and floral characteristics. It is deep, medium to full-bodied, with beautiful purity, virtually perfect integration of tannins, and extraordinary length which lasts over 60 seconds. This is an exceptional, seamless Cabernet Sauvignon that is the vinous equivalent of haute couture. This sensationally pure wine (actually the first vintage of the estate Cabernet to have a little Merlot in it, but only 2%) borders on perfection. This is a gorgeously proportioned wine with beautiful floral and black fruit notes intermixed with some mineral and gentle background oak. One of California’s and the world’s great wine estates, Araujo continues to exhibit remarkable consistency and impeccably high quality. Little seems to change other than some minor tweaking with respect to viticulture and winemaking. The team of Bart and Daphne Araujo, their talented longtime winemaker, Francoise Peschon, and the globe-trotting oenologist, Michel Rolland, are to be commended on the extraordinary elegance of these wines. Previously recommended: 2003 Altagracia (93), 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard (98), 2003 Syrah Eisele Vineyard (94). (Release date Fall 2008) Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
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.
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