Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Professional Ratings

• 97 Wine Spectator
  Dense, rich and enormously concentrated, mixing power with finesse. Pure, ripe, riveting aromas of blackberry, blueberry, currant, sage, cedar, espresso and mocha lead to a full-bodied palate, firming beautifully on the finish, where the flavors glide along and gain traction. Drink now through 2028.
• 97 Vinous

  Our host very graciously adds the 2008 Araujo Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard, a fabulous contribution, as it allows us to explore another vintage and one of Napa Valley's most important vintages. At age 15, the 2008 remains quite young. I am surprised to see a bit more sweet oak character here than in some of the younger wines in the tasting, perhaps a reflection of the preferences of that era. Even so, the 2008 offers up plenty of Eisele character in its dark fruit, leather, tobacco, espresso, scorched earth and spice flavors. The balance here is not as perfect as it can be in the very best vintages, perhaps a lingering reminder of a season marked by drought, frost, and heat during bloom but then much more favorable conditions through the end of summer and into harvest. The 2008 was one of the first young vintages I tasted at Araujo. It's great to revisit it on this evening. Rating: 97+

• 92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  Medium-deep color. Attractive, rich bouquet features scents of ripe plums, violet, licorice, and chocolate. As it sits, a smoky note becomes more apparent. Sweet dark berry fruit on entry; juicy and chewy in the mouth with a lot going on. This youthful, full-bodied wine gets high marks for the quality of the extracted fruit, balance, depth, complexity, and superb texture. Modest finish with a little heat at the end. There’s a bright future here.