Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 95 points

The 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard (a 1,750-case blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot) boasts explosive aromas of incense, creme de cassis, minerals, and flowers. It is medium to full-bodied, with great harmony, and a sweet attack as well as finish. This is a classic example of power and richness allied to considerable elegance. Those in the foreign press who accuse California of being incapable of producing elegant wines have obviously never tasted this Cabernet. Anticipated maturity: now-2020. (Release date 10/02)Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471

Review date: August 2002

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: 92 points

Very ripe berry, mocha and chocolate aromas. Highly concentrated, dense and powerful, with superripe notes of brown sugar and mocha. Much more than simply fruit-driven cabernet. Powerful underlying structure. More tannic than the '98, but here the tannins are round and spread out over the palate. This intensely flavored, thick wine spent a good two weeks on its skins following the end of the fermentation. Should make a superb bottle, and may ultimately surpass the '97.

Review date: May 2000