96 -98 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2005

The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard (1,600 cases made from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, but winemaker Francois Peschon was quick to say they might tweak the blend as it evolves) is higher in alcohol than the 2002 or 2001, but it is a wine of great intensity and stature. Elegant notes of flowers, minerals, black fruits, and smoke are followed by a wine with beautiful fruit, medium to full body, tremendous intensity, and a finish that lasts nearly a full minute. A more streamlined style of Cabernet than the more voluptuous 2002 or the more muscular 2001, this beautifully made Cabernet should be accessible when released in a year. It will evolve for 15-20 years.

98 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2005

There are only 1,600 cases of the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard, which comes close to equaling the virtually perfect 2002. A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, it reveals extraordinary complexity in its floral, crushed rock, licorice, high class cigar tobacco, creme de cassis, and Asian spice-scented bouquet. With an opaque purple color, full body, great structure, a layered, multi-textured mouthfeel, and a fabulously long finish, it is a remarkable Cabernet that should age effortlessly for 20-25 years.

98 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2006

One of the candidates for "wine of the vintage," the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard represents 1,600 cases produced from a 40-acre vineyard, which tells you how Draconian Araujo's selection process is. The final blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot has resulted in a beautifully pure wine displaying an extraordinary floral, black currant, and mineral-scented bouquet, with no hint of new oak. The purity, richness and full-bodied power yet surreal finesse and impeccable balance should be cherished by wine lovers. This beauty can be drunk now and over the next two decades. Wow!

94 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, May 2006

(88% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot) Good ruby-red. Captivating aromas of black raspberry, toffee, mocha and flowers. Dense, lush and sweet, with fruit flavors complicated by game, mocha and brown spices. This offers lovely harmony and finishes very suave and very long, with an enticing fruit/tannin balance. Likely to age well.

91 points,

Wine Spectator, November 2006

Wonderfully executed ripe cherry and currant-laced fruit is shaded by spicy, toasty oak that picks up hints of mocha and espresso. Avoids excessive ripeness and is well-balanced, with a long finish that shows firm, structured tannins and a touch of mineral. Best from 2009 through 2013. 1,600 cases made.

About Winery

Our estate is a Chateau-style wine property located in the northeast Napa Valley, just east of Calistoga. Its two primary components are the 38-acre Eisele Vineyard, and a winery and cave complex we designed and built specifically to vinify only Eisele Vineyard grapes.

The Eisele Vineyard is one of the most respected Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in the Napa Valley, equivalent to a premier cru Bordeaux. Warm days, cool nights and well-drained cobbly soils produce remarkable wines. The vineyard was established more than 120 years ago, and was first planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1964. When we acquired it in 1990, we began extensive renovation of the existing buildings, created a new winery and caves, and in the vineyard, refined the varietal mix and upgraded clone-rootstock combinations, to realize the property's potential for joining the international elite of limited production wine estates oriented exclusively to quality.

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