1992 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard

If readers are unable to find any of the 750 cases of the 1991 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard (reviewed in issue #95), keep a lookout for the release of the 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard next year. Another fabulous wine from this superb vineyard, it displays a sweet, pure nose of blackcurrants, minerals, and spices. Full-bodied, tannic, and powerful, as well as undeveloped, it exhibits the potential for 20-25 years of aging. A splendidly rich Cabernet Sauvignon, with outstanding balance and purity, it will not be mature before the turn of the century. There will only be about 3,000 cases of the Eisele Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, so connoisseurs will undoubtedly be fighting over the limited quantities available. I have long been an admirer of this vineyard situated at the base of the mountains in northern Napa Valley just to the south of Calistoga. Long-time readers may remember the ecstatic reviews of the 1974 Conn Creek Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, the great 1975 Joseph Phelps Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and its successors. The new owners, Bart and Daphne Araujo, who purchased the vineyard from the Eisele family, are intent on pushing the level of quality to new heights. Future plans include the production of a Syrah as well as a Viognier. Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471