2011 Eisele Vineyard (Araujo) Cabernet Sauvignon

Compelling aromas of black fruits such as brambleberries, plus blueberries and fresh mushrooms. Asphalt, too. Forest fruits. The tannins just melt into the wine as you taste it. Aristocratic and regal in style and length. A powdery, fascinating texture. From biodynamically grown grapes. *Top 100 Wines of 2014*

(includes 2% cabernet franc): Bright red-ruby. Nobler on the nose than the Altagracia, displaying scents of currant, licorice and tobacco lifted by a sexy floral topnote. Broad and supple in the mouth, but with lovely definition and power to the flavors of plum, currant, brown spices and brown sugar. At once suave and penetrating, and sweeter and longer than the Altagracia. Can't quite match the young 2012 for thickness of texture but I love the more restrained style of this 2011.

Araujo has long made some of the more restrained Cabernets in Napa Valley. The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is one of the more Left Bank inflected wines in the estate's distinguished history. Beautifully layered and expressive, the 2011 graces the palate with exquisite finesse and total harmony. The 2011 isn't a huge, explosive wine like the 2010 or 2009, but it stands out for its exceptional length and vibrancy. Readers should not expect an obvious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I imagine the 2011 will still be marvelous at age 30, and I won't be surprised if it is one day regarded as one of the great, iconic wines of the vintage. The 2011 has been truly special since I started tasting the single blocks in the Spring of 2012. The blend is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.