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Vinous
2010 Eisele Vineyard 'Araujo' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA
Winegrowing Information With heavy spring rains that ended a three year drought, the 2010 growing season began late, with cool spring temperatures delaying budbreak in the vineyard. Cool, showery weather persisted through May and then finally more normal temperatures returned in June for good weather at bloom and fruit set. Despite an intense heat spike in late August, the cooler overall temperatures and the long growing season allowed the grapes to maintain beautiful acidity and develop fine tannins, while warm weather in September and October brought the fruit to full maturity. The leisurely harvest began on September 9th and finished on October 21st, about two weeks later than average, but in advance of fall rains that followed soon thereafter. The clusters were hand-picked in prime condition in the cool morning hours, then fermented in small tanks and aged in French oak barrels for 22 months; the wine was bottled in August, 2012. The grapes were certified ‘Organic’ by California Certified Organic Farmers and ‘Biodynamic’ by Demeter. Tasting Notes On the nose, this astonishing wine entices with generous aromas of blueberry and dark cherry, bramble, licorice, wild sage, cigar box, lilacs and wet stones. On the palate, its creamy, mouth-filling texture is perfectly balanced with bright acidity and a beautiful sweet core of ripe fruit, followed by an incredibly persistent mineral and herbal finish. Notes winemaker Nigel Kinsman: This wine is a serious, classic Eisele Vineyard cabernet that begins as brooding but evolves in the glass to reveal complexity and nuance. Its super-fine grained tannins and weight without heaviness ensure that it is drinkable now but will age for many years to come. Grape Source 94% Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard 4% Cabernet Franc Eisele Vineyard 2% Petit Verdot Eisele Vineyard Napa Valley Production & Technical Data Alcohol: 14.9% Total Acid: 6.3 g/L pH: 3.77 Production: 1900 cases Release date: October 1, 2013