Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Cabernet from Eisele Vineyard stands out by way of harmony and precision. It is a complex cru revealing multidimensional aromas and sensations. The nose opens on notes of ripe fruit, Burlat cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant creme, and expands to a bouquet of sweet spices and tea. The mouthfeel is suave and supple, almost bewitching with class and finesse: chiseled tannins are accompanied by layers of patchouli, mineral notes, dark fruit and a hint of saltiness. This nectar is one of the purest expressions of the Eisele Vineyard terroir.
Critical Acclaim
100 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet-purple color. Its nose begins a little reserved, slowly revealing a quiet intensity of freshly crushed blackberries, chocolate-covered cherries, cassis and aniseed with compelling nuances of black tea, cigar box, truffles and charcuterie, plus, with coaxing, gentle wafts of red roses and crushed rocks emerge. The medium to full-bodied palate is simply arresting, offering a a myriad floral and earth sparks amidst a black fruit core and with seamless, firm, very fine-grained tannins. Well-knit freshness brings forth layer after layer of delicate nuances on the very long, mineral-laced finish. The team at Eisele, led by Frédéric Engerer (of Chateau Latour) and beautifully orchestrated by winemaker Hélène Mingot, have knocked it out of the park this vintage with this singular expression that both embraces the site’s heritage and reveals parts unknown.
99 James Suckling
The aromas are so complex here with blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and orange peel. Juicy and deep with a polished and lush texture. Full-bodied yet supple and harmonious. Poised and extremely long. You really want to drink this now, but be patient. Try after 2024.
98 Decanter
This is 100% Cabernet, from an excellent vintage and it’s a total hit. Extremely young and closed, concentrated cassis, coffee beans and tobacco, pure and beautifully balanced with long drawn out tannins. It just slowly crawls through your mouth, taking its time and as confident as you like. A juicy, delicious Cab – great stuff from winemaker Hélène Mingot Drinking Window 2023 – 2040
