Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

The flagship offering, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is a much longer-term proposition, even for a 2012. It boasts a thick-looking, dense ruby/purple color, sensational extract and richness, abundant notes of blackcurrants, blueberries, blackberries, spring flowers and forest floor, and full body. However, it pulls back before it becomes heavy or overly extracted. The finish lasts 45-50 seconds. This beauty is still in barrel, and will warrant 5-6 years of patience after its release. Like most Cabernet Sauvignons made from the Eisele Vineyard, it should keep for 25-30 years. The only difference I could find between this effort and those made by the Araujo family is that the 2012 possesses slightly more density and structure.

This delivers a gorgeous mix of rich, vibrant blackberry, wild berry, currant and cassis flavors, taut and firm, with chewy tannins and dusty, cedary earth details on the finish. Ends with a burst of black licorice and graphite. Drink now through 2030. 1,500 cases made.