2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Absolutely superb, this 2003 is drinking beautifully. This blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot from the famous hillside Eisele Vineyard in northeast Napa Valley tips the scales at 14.5% natural alcohol. Gorgeously fresh black currant and black raspberry notes intermixed with spring flowers and forest floor jump from the glass from one of the most aromatically complex wines of the vintage. Medium to full-bodied with sweet fruit, velvety, melted, integrated tannin, a round, generous mouthfeel and no evidence of oak, this is a classy, elegant as well as substantial beauty that continues to age well. It may even be superior to Araujo’s 2002, which, on paper, is a better vintage. The seductive, alluring 2003 should remain at this level for another 5-8 years, but there is no reason to defer your gratification. Bravo! Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(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.
(blended with 5.5% cabernet franc and 3.7% petit verdot) Dark aromas of black raspberry, dark chocolate, lead pencil and mocha. Sweet and densely packed, with superb finesse of texture and extremely primary licorice and medicinal flavors. Less obviously sweet than the explosive 2002, but juicy, very intensely flavored and aromatic. Finishes with substantial, slowly building tannins and outstanding length.
About the producer
Eisele Vineyard is one of Napa’s oldest properties, first planted in the 1880s. Today owned by François Pinault of Ch. Latour, it is known for its top Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as the unique Sauvignon Blanc.