Jaime Araujo visits Oslo

Eisele Vineyard, a legend in itself. The first time I really noticed the name was when I tasted the 1985 Joseph Phelps Eisele Vineyards, and back then, the grapes were sold to Joseph Phelps who never owned the land. The Eisele Vineyard dates back to about 1880, and has been under wine since. In 1964 Cabernet Sauvignon was planted and the vineyard grew into mythical status when, in 1971, Paul Draper of Ridge made a one and only Ridge Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the very first vineyard designated wines of California, and according to Robert Parker, by many considered to be one of the finest wines ever produced in Napa Valley. Originally owned by Milt and Barbara Eisele, who grew the grapes in the fine Phelps bottle I tasted, just five years prior to their sale to the Araujo family, in 1990. In 1991 the last vintage for Phelps, it went into the Insignia, one of the First Growth's of Napa, and into a new wine, the Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. 

This eveing Jaime Araujo visited us in Norway for the first ever release of her family's great wines here in Norway. An excellent private tasting at Statholderens Mat og Vinkjeller last week with two wines, and a private informal setting. The wines have a very limited number available, and will be available from November. Araujo itself in BU, Altagracia on Vika only.

2009 Araujo Estate Altagracia:
(807,-) Deep ruby. Scented, cassis, touch of coffeebeans, leather, blueberries and vanilla. Layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, towards mouthwatering. Vanilla ice finish. Elegant, complex and long. 93+

2009 Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon:
(2185,-) Deep ruby. Deep notes of cassis, vanilla and blackberries. Scented, layered, deep and complex. Fresh acidity, ripe but at this stage slightly grippy tannins. Refreshing, minerals, and very long freshly crushed coffeebeans and milkchocolate finish. 95+