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Wine Description
The Story
The Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has a unique allure to it. It is the finesse, purity of fruit, vivid acidity and profound mineral character that set this wine apart from the other Napa wines. Its style is almost reminiscent of Pomerol. It is a sophisticated wine with great potential. Thanks to the Araujos vineyard management, the wines are showing an increasing amount of the terroir character. The terroir There are three terroir factors that give the Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon its unique character.
Firstly, the vineyard is located in a cove protected by the Palisades Mountains, which draw cool air from the Sonoma coastline to the site from the western Chalk Hill Gap. This helps the grapes keep their freshness and acidity, which is often a challenge given the warm Calistoga district.
The second factor is the subsoil composition, which is being shaped by the two tributaries crossing the vineyard. The subsoil is made up of volcanic cobbles derived from the Palisades Mountains. This deep rocky subsoil is well-draining causing the vine roots to penetrate deep into the ground in search of water. As the roots penetrate the soil levels, more mineral compounds are being absorbed adding minerals and complexity to the grapes. As the vineyard lies on a gently sloping hill there are parts of the vineyard with richer soil containing volcanic ash, small stones and red clay. These parts provide more weight and complexity to the flavour profile of the grapes.
The third terroir factor is formed by the Araujos themselves. Through innovative vineyard management practices, the Araujos have succeeded in transferring the unique terroir into their wines. Philosophy in winemaking The Araujos commitment to producing estate-grown wines of highest calibre and distinction has driven them to employ cutting-edge practices in farming and winemaking
Wine Information
The 1994 growing season began with a long cool spring, followed by more cool weather during the summer months. Morning fog, mild daytime temperatures and cool evenings gave the vines ample time to mature completely, yielding grapes that were rich, concentrated, remarkably flavorful and beautifully balanced. We began harvesting our young cabernet vines on September 17, and finished with the old vines on October 21. The grapes were fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, then aged 22 months in 75% new Chateau-style French oak barrels. The wine was bottled in August, 1996.
Tasting Notes
This wine exhibits the distinctive Eisele Vineyard flavors of cassis, dark chocolate, toffee and cedar, with nuances of spice and a long mineral finish. Winemaker Francoise Peschon describes the wine as full bodied, concentrated, and multi-layered with marvelous extraction and suppleness.
This vintage impresses consulting winemaker Tony Soter with its harmony: The power of this wine is beautifully balanced by its fine silky tannins. Its persistent and complex fruit aromas and flavors are lush, luxurious and seamless on the palate. Reminiscent of the 1991 vintage, it is a cellar classic and should age effortlessly for 20 to 30 years.
Grape Source
93% Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard
4% Cabernet Franc Eisele Vineyard
3% Petit Verdot Eisele Vineyard
Napa Valley
Production & Technical Data
Alcohol: 13.5%
Total Acid: 0.59
pH: 3.75
Production: 2406 cases
Release Date: October 1, 1997
