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.
In 2013 Araujo was acquired by the Artemis Group which also owns Chateau Latour.
Violet in color with just a little bricking on the edge of the glass. 14.1% ABV. Black fruits, cedar and a slightly distracting vegetal note on the nose. Rich and powerful even at 14 years of age. Currants, cassis, black cherries, mint and graphite on the palate. Still somewhat tannic. The finish is slightly clipped. Not bad but not great. A product of the 2000 vintage. Drink over the next couple years.
My rating: 91 points.
I was on the Araujo mailing list for the ’94 through ’06 vintages. Great wines but now overpriced in my opinion.
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.
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Totally agree on the overpriced comment. I’ve said time and again that once the price point moves above $150 for a standard bottle, I call BS. In the case of my favorite California Cabernet, Ridge Monte Bello, I buy the wine via the futures and pay 60% of the retail price. Marginal enjoyment past the $150 mark for me is close to zero (unless someone else paid for the wine)…Cheers Tom!
I’m pretty much in agreement with you with my top end spends being right around $150 for the likes of Spottswoode, Pahlmeyer, Quilceda Creek and Schrader.