Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard 2001

Rating: 94/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 114, May/June 2004 ($185; contains 4% cabernet franc) Ruby-red. Warm and inviting aromas of plum, mocha, tobacco, smoke and spices. Rich, silky and suave, with mellow, claret-like flavors of currant, plum, tobacco and mocha. Pure, layered and stylish wine, finishing with substantial but lush tannins and subtle persistence. One can see the hand of consulting enologist Michel Rolland in this wine.

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). -WA This hallmark wine balances power, elegance and finesse read more...in the dense tannin structure characteristic of a fine vintage. Luscious aromas of cassis and blackberry give way to opulent layers black currant and dark chocolate flavors in the mouth, while notes of spice and cedar, hints of violets and a crushed granite minerality linger in the long finish. Winemaker Françoise Peschon notes: A combination of an exceptional 2001 vintage, extreme selection in the vineyard and careful blending in the winery have produced this intense, classic expression of Eisele Vineyard terroir. Abundant fine tannins, pure flavors and perfect balance assure years of ageing potential.    (hide)

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January 2009

Rating: 97/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate

Rating: (95-100) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 142 on Aug-02

Rating: 95/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator