The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.
Wine Description
The Story
First planted to vines in the 1880s, Eisele Vineyard sits in the northeast Napa Valley, just east of Calistoga at the base of the Palisades Mountain range. Farmed organically since 1998 and biodynamically since 2000, the site has been principally dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon for the last fifty years. Beginning with the inaugural release bearing the Eisele name in 1971, this iconic vineyard has received consistent recognition for possessing one of the great terroirs of Napa Valley. The wines invariably express the exceptional depth, elegance and longevity which are hallmarks of the Eisele Vineyard.
When we arrived at Araujo Estate in 2013, forty vintages had already carried the Eisele Vineyard designation. We admire and respect these wines immensely. Their exceptional balance, elegance and restraint spoke to us, and we found the expression of terroir to be pure, honest and unmistakable. We were captivated and humbled, knowing that giving voice to this place would be both a privilege and a challenge.
As we continue to write the history of Eisele Vineyard, we build on the spirit of stewardship that defines its past. Our journey here is an exploration, a quest to understand this vineyard more deeply — its geologic construct, the variations in terroir, and the nature of its ancient soils. Changes, when considered, are only in service to letting the terroir speak more clearly. To this work, our experienced team brings creativity, curiosity, and an unflagging passion for excellence.
Wine Information
WINEGROWING INFORMATION
The warm spring of 2013 brought exceptionally little rain. These conditions resulted in small berry sizes giving excellent flavor concentration and structure to the wine. Summer provided optimal ripening conditions, with overcast mornings, mild temperatures during the day and cool nights. The first Cabernet Sauvignon parcels were picked on September 12th under ideal conditions, and harvest was completed on October 1st. The fruit was delicious, intensely flavored, with an amazing quality of tannins. 2013 will be remembered as a great vintage for Napa Valley, and also one with particular significance for the estate, as the first vintage “from berry to bottle” under the Pinault family ownership.
Tasting Notes
Our winemaking team notes: “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is pure Eisele. In the cellar, the wines revealed themselves with practically no need to intervene. The secret of the vintage was to be gentle on the fruit and not overdo it. The natural concentration and depth of the vintage are combined with exquisite elegance, precision and finesse, which are hallmarks of this terroir.
The 2013 Eisele Cabernet opens up on notes of dried rose petals and spices with a hint of boysenberries. On the palate, the multiple dimensions of the texture and the expression of black and blue fruit combine with a sense of extraordinary purity. The refined and tightly-knit tannins give way to a very long, deliciously mineral, almost saline finish.
One of the greatest vintages from the Eisele Vineyard, along with 1971, 1978, 1995 and 2001.”
Grape Source
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Eisele Vineyard Napa Valley
Production & Technical Data
Alcohol: 14.8% Release date: June 8, 2016
