Medium ruby-red. Blackcurrant, black cherry, licorice and tar on the bright nose. Sweet, lush and full, with primary dark fruit flavors complicated by smoky oak. Strongly oaky and impressively sweet on the back end, which features very fine tannins and excellent persistence.

The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is a 1,700 case blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot and Merlot. This vintage produced lighter wines, resulting in a Bordeaux-like example of this cuvee. After 22 months in oak, this textured, perfumed Cabernet offers up aromas of black currants, earth, and lilacs (reminiscent of Chateau Margaux). It possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as medium body, a good texture, a slight austerity, but brilliant purity and balance. A lighter-weight effort by Araujo’s standards, it is extremely well-balanced and approachable. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471