One of California's most collectible Cabernets. Limited. Since 1971, some of California's most ageworthy and intensely flavored Cabernet Sauvignons have been made from grapes grown at the Eisele Vineyard, located on an alluvial fan near the northern end of the Napa Valley, just east of Calistoga. 98 points James Suckling: "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. Drink now, but better in 2017." 96+ points Antonio Galloni: "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. " 95 Points Robert Parker: "The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is simply beautiful. It is easily one of the most complete and compelling wines of the vintage. Rich, flashy and open, especially within the context of the vintage, the 2011 impresses for its depth and polish. Layers of blue and black fruit, savory herbs, mint and licorice come together in this complete Cabernet. A model of total class and elegance, the 2011 is simply remarkable for the year. This is one of the few wines of the vintage with real potential not just for the near-term, but also for the future. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2026. This is a gorgeous set of wines from Bart and Daphne Araujo, and their team headed by winemaker Nigel Kinsman and consulting winemaker Francoise Peschon."
Delectable Wine
Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is the last wine Bart and Daphne Araujo made from start to finish before selling their winery and vineyard to the Artemis Group. All the Eisele signatures are there, but the volume is just turned down. Dark berry fruit, gravel, spice, earthiness and leather lend striking aromatic nuance throughout. This mid-weight, supremely elegant Cabernet Sauvignon is sublime. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. Superb. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2022)
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is the last wine Bart and Daphne Araujo made from start to finish before selling their winery and vineyard to the Artemis Group. All the Eisele signatures are there, but the volume is just turned down. Dark berry fruit, gravel, spice, earthiness and leather lend striking aromatic nuance throughout. This mid-weight, supremely elegant Cabernet Sauvignon is sublime. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. Superb. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2022)
9.6Nico J. Snyman
Solid Cabernet, still showing too much ripe fruit right now, could possibly be a revisit in 15 years???
Solid Cabernet, still showing too much ripe fruit right now, could possibly be a revisit in 15 years???
8.6Ashley Leal
Stop the bus. This wine is bananas! Crazy good, chewy, need to scrape your teeth afterward kind of Cabernet. Shoots!
Stop the bus. This wine is bananas! Crazy good, chewy, need to scrape your teeth afterward kind of Cabernet. Shoots!
8.8Ludovic Anacleto
Incredible wine. I loved every bit of it. A truly amazing bottle
Incredible wine. I loved every bit of it. A truly amazing bottle
9.7David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Black and red fruits, star anise, leather tobacco, herbaceous and still a little astringent on the finish.
Black and red fruits, star anise, leather tobacco, herbaceous and still a little astringent on the finish.
9.1Will Phelps
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Very 2011. Fresh acidity, minimal fruit and lots of veggies
Very 2011. Fresh acidity, minimal fruit and lots of veggies
9.1Anne Krolczyk
Thanks David! Awesome birthday wine. Appreciate the balance. Delicioso! Grazie
Thanks David! Awesome birthday wine. Appreciate the balance. Delicioso! Grazie
9.6Rebekah Wineburg
Winemaker Buccella Wines
Nice wine in a difficult vintage. Tannin perhaps a bit rough at the moment but should resolve with time.
Nice wine in a difficult vintage. Tannin perhaps a bit rough at the moment but should resolve with time.
8.6Tom Kobylarz
Second best Napa wine of the night, what a classic Napa Cabernet should be, balancing power and elegance effortlessly. #NYWE14
Second best Napa wine of the night, what a classic Napa Cabernet should be, balancing power and elegance effortlessly. #NYWE14
9.5Jody Scharf
Not saying this is great but close.
Not saying this is great but close.
9.7WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.