2002 Eisele Vineyard (Araujo) Altagracia

Everything is about quality, as evidenced by Araujo's second wine, the 2002 Altagracia. A selection of 650 cases that is about two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and equal parts (about 14% each) Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, this is one heck of a second wine. A beautifully fragrant nose of cedar wood, flowers, pepper, and spice box along with the telltale red and black fruit soars from the glass. On a much quicker evolutionary track than the Eisele Estate Cabernet, it is supple-textured as well as loaded with fruit and complexity. Already accessible, it possesses the balance and depth to evolve for 10-12 years. A sleeper selection, it is by no means a second wine in the pejorative sense of the word. (Release date 4/05) Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471