Eiseley Vineyard's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon combines harmony and precision. It is a complex cru that reveals multi-faceted aromas and sensations: ripe fruit, cherries, blackberries and blackcurrants. The aroma of cream spreads, then changes to the aroma of spices and black tea used in baked goods.
The wine is fresh on the palate and has finely grained tannins. Layers of patchouli, minerals, dark fruit and a hint of salt make this a wine that is a godsend, the purest expression of the Eisley Vineyard terroir. The winter of 2016 was mild and dry, similar to 2015, which allowed for early budbreak. Although there was a lot of rainfall in March, the growing season was good with a strong canopy. Flowering was a week later than normal, but the dry, warm weather allowed for good fruit set. Mild weather in July also led to early and uniform color development throughout the vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon ripened slowly thanks to hot days and cool nights during the summer, and the harvest took place between September 16th and October 5th. The excellent growing season throughout gave the grapes a good sense of poise and dignity. Eisley Vineyard's grapes are CCOF certified organic and Demeter certified biodynamic. Eisley Vineyard is located on an alluvial fan near the northern end of Napa Valley, east of Calistoga, and has been growing Cabernet Sauvignon, which has the longest aging potential and the most concentrated flavor, since 1971. Protected by the Palisades Mountains to the north and cooled by the cold air from the west through the Chalk Hill Gap, the 15.2 hectare vineyard has well-drained, stony soil, which allows low yields and high concentration of grapes to grow. The wines produced from this wonderful vineyard have a unique combination. They have a straightforward personality and a dense, clear flavor, but also have a smooth texture and a concentrated flavor that does not feel heavy, and also have elements that create complex flavors with aging. Eisley Vineyard was first planted with Zinfandel and Riesling in the 1880s. Grapes were planted continuously thereafter, with the first Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 1964 by Milt and Barbara Eisley. After a string of amazing wines in the 1970s, visionary Napa Valley vintner Joseph Phelps would produce what would become his legendary Cabernet Sauvignon. From 1975 until 1991, Joseph Phelps' final vintage of Eisley, the vineyard produced wines of unparalleled character and quality. The 1991 vintage produced two wines from Eisley Vineyard: one for Phelps' final vintage, and the other for Arrojo Estate, released by the Arrojos, who purchased Eisley Vineyard that same year. Arrojo's Eisley Vineyard wines have since established themselves as some of California's most cult wines. Since 2000, Arrojo Estate has been practicing biodynamic agriculture, and in 2005, it was certified by Demeter. In both cultivation and brewing, Arrojo has been making wine while adapting to the rhythm of nature. In 2013, François Pinault, known as the owner of Château Latour, a first-class Bordeaux winery, Domaine Dugeny and Monopole Clos de Tart in Burgundy, and Château Grillet in Condrieu, acquired Arrojo. Under the supervision of Frédéric Angela, general manager of Château Latour, Arrojo produces classic and new style Napa Valley wines using grapes from the historic Eiseley. In 2016, in order to prove the terroir and ability of this vineyard, the winery changed its name to "Eiseley Vineyards" and aims for further growth.