2010 Sauvignon Blanc Eisele Vineyard

Amazing aromas of Sicilian lemon rind and lavender. Hot stones or tiles too. Full bodied, with a lovely balance of acidity and light vanilla with cream and lemons, then turns to pears and white peaches. So subtle and fine. This is 100 percent Sauvignon, instead of including a small percentage of Viognier. Bart says it is much more minerally in character. Stylistically like a top Pessac-Leognan.

The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc is a gorgeous wine graced with melon, mint, white peaches, flowers and spices. It shows lovely textural depth and richness. The 2010 is 64% Sauvignon Musque and 36% Sauvignon Blanc. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. This is a great showing from Bart and Daphne Araujo and their team, headed by consultant Francoise Peschon and winemaker Nigel Kinsman. The Araujo wines are defined by their distinctive elegance and overall finesse. Earlier this year I had a chance to taste a number of wines from the Eisele vineyard made in the 1970s, before the Araujos bought the vineyard, that showed the inherent greatness of this Calistoga site. Naturally the Cabernet Sauvignon gets most of the attention here, but I find the Syrah almost as compelling. It is easily one of the finest Syrahs being made in Napa Valley. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard had just been bottled a few weeks prior to my visit. I tasted two bottles, but neither was particularly forthcoming. I will report on the 2009 in a few months, once the wine has had a chance to settle down. Readers interested in learning more about the estate may want to take a look at my two-part interview with Bart and Daphne Araujo on www.erobertparker.com Tel. (707) 942-6061

(bottled the day before my visit; there's no longer any viognier in this wine as of vintage 2008, just sauvignon blanc and sauvignon musque): Palish yellow-green. Pure aromas of pineapple, grapefruit peel, lime blossom, lichee and wild herbs. Rich and savory, with a salty minerality melding well with a musky white peach flavor. More citrus than tropical in style, and almost sake-like in its umami texture. Finishes with insidious minerality and excellent persistence. This vibrant, long wine should age well.