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 completed many renovation projects after they acquired the estate, and planted many varietals including Petit Verdot, Syrah, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. Nevertheless the estate’s signature wine is its highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignon.
Garnet in color. 14.8% ABV. Rich and ripe on the nose with aromas of cassis liqueur, leather and violets. Full bodied with noticeable heat. Lots of sediment. Blueberries, olives and raspberry liqueur on the palate. Like the ’03 this is pushing the envelope on ripeness and is a little over the top for my tastes. Drink over the next year or so.
My rating: 88 points.
Disappointing bottle and not up to the reputation of the vineyard and the Araujo Cabernet Sauvignon. I would have a hard time paying the $150+ this wine goes for in the open market. Proceed accordingly.
Several years ago Bart and Daphne Araujo sold the winery to Francois Pinault, the owner of Chateau Latour. The winery is now known as Eisele Vineyard.
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