Araujo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Eisele Vineyard 2002

99 points Robert Parker: "Araujo’s spectacular 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is a 1,700-case blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot from a vineyard tucked in the lower hillsides of northeastern Napa Valley, not far from the quaint town of Calistoga. Araujo has enjoyed an incredible string of top-notch vintages from 2001 through 2005 and again from 2008 through 2010. Extremely youthful at age ten, the 2002 is a candidate for perfection. Its dense blue/purple hue is followed by abundant aromas of cassis, incense, crushed rocks and spring flowers. Full-bodied and opulent as well as pure, rich and authoritative, with abundant but beautifully integrated tannins, this opulent, plush 2002 can be drunk now or cellared for another 20-25 years. (Jun 2012)"

98 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): " The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is a total stunner. Dark and ample, the 2002 is dense and explosive right out of the gate. Black fruit, gravel, tobacco, scorched earth and leather all build towards the structured, resonant finish. The 2002 is ripe and quite opulent, but also impeccably balanced. It's classic Eisele all the way. Two recent bottles were magnificent. Readers lucky enough to own it should be absolutely thrilled. Drink: 2022-2032. (May 2024)"

97 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "This tasty treat is probably close to its apogee. Rich, ripe, full bodied and concentrated, yet, balanced, restrained, harmonious and elegant, for my palate and bank, this is what I love about the best Napa Cabernet Sauvignon wines. It perfectly straddles the fence between classic and modern. The sweet fruits are perfectly ripe, yet nothing comes close to being over the top. (May 2016)"

96 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "Stunning. Explodes with the most intricately detailed aromas: a perfume of fine smoky oak and ripe black currants. Exudes sheer power, with great weight yet no heaviness. Lush and delicious, but just tannic enough. If you can wait, cellar until 2008, it should hold and improve for many years. Alcohol 15%. (Sep 2006)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "Firm, rich and concentrated, with ample tannins wrapped around a core of earth, currant and black cherry fruit. With excellent balance and depth, it serves up lots of rich, complex flavors without being heavy, offering a floral, perfumed currant edge.. 1,630 cases made. Collectibles. (11/15/05)"

95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(14.6% alcohol; includes 2.6% cabernet franc and 1.6% petit verdot) Good saturated ruby-red. Superripe, complex, slightly roasted nose combines black raspberry, dark chocolate, smoked meat, maple syrup, toffee, tobacco and licorice. Dense and aromatic in the mouth, with compelling sweetness and suavity of texture. Wonderfully opulent and seamless red wine. This finishes with huge but utterly fine tannins and lush, lingering flavor. (May/Jun 2005)"