Araujo
Summary
Eisele Vineyard (formerly Araujo Estate) operates a boutique 38-acre vineyard in Calistoga, northern Napa Valley, focusing primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon grown in well-draining, rocky alluvial soils that have produced exceptional fruit since the 1880s. The estate embraces biodynamic and organic farming practices, employing meticulous production methods from hand harvesting to French oak aging that showcase the vineyard's singular character through limited production wines that have achieved cult status among collectors.
Heritage & Leadership
Araujo Estate Wines was founded in 1990 when Bart and Daphne Araujo purchased the historic Eisele Vineyard in Napa Valley, California. The Eisele Vineyard itself has a much longer history, dating back to the 1880s when it was first planted to vines. Prior to the Araujos' ownership, the vineyard had already established a reputation for quality, with grapes from this site being used by notable producers including Joseph Phelps and Ridge Vineyards during the 1970s.
A significant transition occurred in 2013 when François Pinault's Artémis Group, the owner of Château Latour in Bordeaux, acquired Araujo Estate. Following this acquisition, the estate was renamed Eisele Vineyard to honor the historic vineyard site. Under Artémis ownership, Frédéric Engerer, who also oversees Château Latour, became involved in the management of the estate. After the sale, Bart and Daphne Araujo established a new winery called Accendo Cellars, continuing their winemaking endeavors in Napa Valley.
Vineyards & Wines
The Eisele Vineyard is located in the Calistoga AVA in the northern part of Napa Valley. The vineyard encompasses approximately 38 acres of vines within a larger 162-acre property. The remaining land includes olive trees, other agricultural uses, and natural habitat. The site features well-draining, rocky soils with alluvial deposits, contributing to the distinctive character of the wines produced.
Cabernet Sauvignon serves as the primary grape variety and flagship wine of the estate. The vineyard also includes plantings of other Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, which may be incorporated into the Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Beyond its red wine program, the estate produces Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. The Sauvignon Blanc production includes some barrel fermentation and aging, creating a distinctive expression of this variety.
Philosophy & Practice
The estate has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to sustainable agriculture through its farming practices. The vineyard received organic certification from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Demeter biodynamic certification, with the transition to biodynamic farming beginning in the late 1990s or early 2000s, ahead of many other Napa Valley producers.
The winemaking process at Eisele Vineyard follows meticulous protocols beginning with hand harvesting and careful sorting of grapes before fermentation. For red wines, fermentation typically occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes aging in French oak barrels, with a portion of new oak contributing to the wine's structure and complexity. This attention to detail in both vineyard management and cellar practices reflects the estate's focus on expressing the distinctive character of this historic vineyard site.