2012 Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard Napa Valley [label damage]

The blackberries and spices on the nose, together with currants, earth and light chocolate, are extremely appealing, while the palate delivers a full, rich core of fruit and silky tannins. Excellent length. It’s just starting to open now. Drink or hold. Review Date: July 2019

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. (RP) Review Date: December 2015