Bottle Notes, Syrah

2001 Araujo Syrah Eisele Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Araujo Estate is a 38-acre vineyard in northeast Napa Valley, east of Calistoga. It was established in 1990 when Bart and Daphne Araujo bought the historic vineyard from Milt and Barbara Eisele, who planted the vines in the 1960s. For nearly 40 years the Eisele Vineyard has been known as one of the valley’s great vineyards, consistently producing outstanding wines. The Araujos have completed many renovation projects since they acquired the estate, and have planted many varietals including Petit Verdot, Syrah, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. Nevertheless the estate’s signature wine is its highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignon.

Purple in color. 14.8% ABV. Blue fruits, coffee and barbecued meats on the nose. Full bodied with healthy acidity. Rich and supple. The palate is alive with flavors of blueberry, cracked black pepper, iodine and game. The finish is long and exquisite. Hard to believe this wine is 13 years old. Bravo! Drink over the next 1-2 years.

My rating: 95 points.

Araujo is one of the most prestigious wineries in all of Napa Valley. It does not get much more iconic than Eisele Vineyard. It can be included on a short list with the likes of Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard.

The Araujo wines can be obtained via the mailing list, at retail and frequently at auction.

If you enjoyed this post please consider subscribing to Zinfandel Chronicles updates by email.

Tagged , , , ,

2 thoughts on “2001 Araujo Syrah Eisele Vineyard – Bottle Notes

  1. The Araujos planted our Rodeno clone of Sangiovese back in the early 90’s, I believe, but soon changed it over to another variety – probably Cab. The yields were uneconomic? or Sangiovese has too small a following? It’s hard to argue with Cabernet in Napa Valley but that doesn’t stop some of us…

Leave a Comment