Wine Advisor
Araujo, Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The flagship offering, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is a much longer-term proposition, even for a 2012. It boasts a thick-looking, dense ruby/purple color, sensational extract and richness, abundant notes of blackcurrants, blueberries, blackberries, spring flowers and forest floor, and full body. However, it pulls back before it becomes heavy or overly extracted. The finish lasts 45-50 seconds. This beauty is still in barrel, and will warrant 5-6 years of patience after its release. Like most Cabernet Sauvignons made from the Eisele Vineyard, it should keep for 25-30 years. The only difference I could find between this effort and those made by the Araujo family is that the 2012 possesses slightly more density and structure.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is a relatively powerful statement from the new owners. Dense ruby/purple in color, with an exceptional nose of crème de cassis, a touch of mulberry and spice. The oak is completely obscured by the lavish, concentrated, ripe fruit and multi-dimensional mid-palate that expands beautifully, but with no sense of heaviness. The wine is rich and full-bodied, but with velvety tannin and stunning purple and black fruits. This is a beauty, with savoriness that’s hard to articulate. The finish goes on for a good 45+ seconds. This is a beauty that’s velvety, opulent and capable of drinking well now or in 25 to 30+ years.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Araujo's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard opens with enticing aromatics. Sadly, there is not much follow through on the palate, where the wine feels hollow, lean and lacking in depth. The 2012 was off the charts when I tasted it from barrel. From bottle, it has never lived up to that early promise.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
Araujo Estate's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is quite soft, supple and nuanced. Although texturally quite pretty, the 2012 doesn't have its usual depth or intensity. Hints of over ripeness linger on the finish, while the flavors really struggle to emerge. I don't see much Eisele personality here. Perhaps that will come in time, but personally I doubt it. Needless to say, this is quite a disappointing showing based on the potential I saw last year.
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.
