Firm tight and well-structured with a medley of floral spice and dried currant and a touch of herb and cedary oak. Well-integrated focused and concentrated with a long deep persistent finish. Will reward cellaring. Best from 2009 through 2020. 1240 cases made. –JL

Previously recommended but no tasting note given. 94+ Despite having over 40-plus acres of vineyards in the northeasterly sector of Napa just south of Calistoga the production at Araujo remains relatively limited with the flagship wine the Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard producing between 1600 and 2200 cases of wine and the second wine the Altagracia between 800 and 1200 cases. Add to that another 1000 cases of Sauvignon Blanc and 300-400 cases of Syrah and there is just not a lot to go around given the greatness that can be achieved from this vineyard. Much of the credit has to go to proprietors Bart and Daphne Araujo and of course their top-notch winemaking team which has always been led by Francoise Peschon. Araujo's second wines are among the finest second wines consumers will find in northern California. For example the Altagracia cuvees which represent 25-35% of the production have been outstanding examples of Cabernet Sauvignon. Araujo has done an excellent job with Syrah which they typically co-ferment with 3-4% Viognier. Sadly only 300-400 cases are produced.