2000 Eisele Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1x3L

Robert Parker 86

Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience vertical in London. This has a limpid purple/black colour. The nose has a torrefactory element to it with notes of pencil lead and roasted herbs. I dislike it, to be quite honest. The palate is a little unbalanced, excessively oaked that is not well-integrated. Touch of dried blood on the savory finish. This pales next to other vintages. Tasted May 2006. [Neal Martin, 05/01/2006]

Vinous 92

(a blend of 83% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot and 3% merlot) Good medium red-ruby. Sappy black raspberry, redcurrant, flowers, tobacco and licorice on the nose, along with sexy, smoky oak notes of torrefaction. Dense and lush, with a restrained sweetness and hints of minerals and chocolate. Not a huge wine but boasts lovely intensity and vinosity. The first vintage of this wine to include some merlot – no doubt at least partly due to the influence of consulting enologist Michel Rolland. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2003]