Bentley Hotel London
Tasted Wednesday, May 31, 2006 by Russell Faulkner with 1,327 views
The 38 acre Eisele vineyard is widely recognised as one of California’s top
terroir sites – its well-draining alluvial soil, south-facing aspect, and
California sunshine tempered by cooling ocean breezes off the Russian River
Valley combine to produce truly remarkable cabernet sauvignon (and more recently
syrah) grapes.
The wines have received critical acclaim since Paul Draper (of Ridge) made the
first serious wines from Eisele grapes in 1971, but it is really since the
Araujo family took control in 1990 that the words “Californian Cult” have been
used in describing the wines.
All the wines had been bought by Charles Darnell who presented the tasting along with Linden Wilkie (whose notes I stole for the above).
1994 Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard 94 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
93CS, 4CF, 3PV, 13.5% alc, 2406 cases.
Young ruby, just a hint of lightening to rim. Nose is quite is quite intense, blackcurrent and toasty oak. Some very strong acidity on the midpalate, smooth seductive attack, damson, blackcurrent, very silky texture. Very long finish but the acid is a little too prominent on the finish, I found this just a little underwhelming compared with the other tasters, with time it showed slightly dried, evan a burnt note. However clearly a very classy wine.
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1995 Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard Flawed
USA, California, Napa Valley
94CS, 4CF, 2PV, 13.5% alc, 2500 cases.
Showing much lighter, clear oxidation, sherry, dried fruit and chrsitmas pudding, still shows class though. Must have been a bad cork, storage impeccable. Not Rated.
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