Eisele Vineyard: A Jewel in Napa Valley

Eisele Vineyard is not just another Napa Valley wine — it stands apart for its remarkable finesse and balance. Thanks to its exceptional terroir and commitment to biodynamic farming, Eisele wines are elegant and vibrant rather than heavy or overly ripe, avoiding the excess sometimes found in Napa reds. Each vintage reflects a sense of place, precision, and a purity that makes Eisele truly unique.

Located in the northeastern part of Napa Valley in Calistoga, Eisele Vineyard stands as one of the most historic and distinguished vineyard sites in California. The land's story dates back to 1884 when its first vines were planted.

In 1990, Bart and Daphne Araujo purchased the vineyard, renaming it Araujo Estate. Under their management, the estate's wines rose to iconic status, earning praise for their precision, elegance, and reflection of the unique terroir. The Araujos implemented biodynamic farming practices, emphasizing the vineyard's natural harmony and enhancing its soil health and vine vitality.

In 2013, the vineyard entered a new chapter when it was acquired by the holding company of Château Latour in Bordeaux. The vineyard has regained its original name: Eisele. This marked the integration of the vineyard into a portfolio of globally iconic wine estates, ensuring its continued legacy of excellence.

Eisele Vineyard wines keep receving top honors and high scores from leading wine publications. Its philosophy is rooted in the respect for its land and the pursuit of excellence through sustainable and biodynamic farming, meticulous winemaking, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

The main Crus of Eisele Vineyard

Eisele Vineyard’s production is characterized by its commitment to crafting wines that express the unique terroir of the site. The estate produces several outstanding wines:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Frequently ranked among Napa Valley’s finest wines, it has received multiple 100-point scores from critics like Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate and Vinous and it was listed as a First Growth in the Napa Valley Classification of Fine Wine Magazine.

It is composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, often blended with small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, or Petit Verdot.This flagship wine showcases profound depth, structure, and an unparalleled ability to age. Notes of dark berries, cassis, tobacco, and graphite are typical, with velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish. It is highly regarded for it’s complexity, concentration, silky texture, mineral length and ability to age for decades.

Altagracia

While positioned as a second label, Altagracia is a standout in its own right, often praised for its value. Named after Bart Araujo’s grandmother, it is a Bordeaux-style blend vinified in the same manner as the Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. It is essentially the expression of the Eastern parcels of the Eisele Vineyard, completed with fruit sourced from other Napa Valley vineyards where the estate holds long-term grape contracts. It offers vibrant fruit, fine tannins, and a balanced, silky texture.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is the white wine from the Eisele Vineyard. The parcels are located on the Eastern side of the property, where the hills provide ideal protection from the afternoon sun, preserving the freshness and energy of this wine. The blending of two Sauvignon Blanc clones: Sauvignon Musqué with its slightly exotic flavors, and Sauvignon Blanc with a lean, gravely structure, produces a wine of great pleasure that speaks of the long warm summers and the dry cobbly soils. Starting with the 2013 vintage, extended élevage on the lees has added tension and aromatic complexity to this unique wine. This wine is a rare gem, offering a vibrant, aromatic experience with citrus, tropical fruit, and minerality.

Syrah

Syrah was first planted on the estate in 1978. After making wine from the few remaining vines in 1991 and 1993, a serious commitment to this ancient and noble grape was made, increasing the plantings in the vineyard. Eisele Syrah is a profound, mysteriously compelling wine that reveals yet another aspect of the Eisele Vineyard's unique terroir.

If you are interested in exploring the elegance of Eisele Vineyard wines and experiencing the magic of Napa Valley’s heritage, please contact us for price an availability.