Tasting Notes
Antonio Galloni 89
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard was a showstopper from barrel, but I have never felt it reached the same level after bottling. Then again, this was the vintage of transition from Daphne and Bart Araujo to Artemis Domaines. All things considered, the 2012 has aged well, but it also lacks both the mid-palate richness and Eisele character that are such signatures of this great site.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2032
Vinous 93-96
(the new team here recently finalized the blend): Bright ruby. High-pitched floral and medicinal notes perk up aromas of blackberry and cassis. Densely packed and sweet, but with a delightfully sappy quality and juicy, integrated acidity enlivening the middle palate. Sugar and phenolic ripeness were neck-and-neck at the time of the 2012 harvest, noted winemaker Nigel Kinsman. Very intense, long wine with noble tannins taking a back seat to the fruit today.
Wine Advocate 97
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is a relatively powerful statement from the new owners. Dense ruby/purple in color, with an exceptional nose of creme de cassis, a touch of mulberry and spice. The oak is completely obscured by the lavish, concentrated, ripe fruit and multi-dimensional mid-palate that expands beautifully, but with no sense of heaviness. The wine is rich and full-bodied, but with velvety tannin and stunning purple and black fruits. This is a beauty, with savoriness that’s hard to articulate. The finish goes on for a good 45+ seconds. This is a beauty that’s velvety, opulent and capable of drinking well now or in 25 to 30+ years.
Anticipated maturity: 2016-2046
