2013 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: 100 Point Napa Icon
The 2013 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t just great, it’s perfect. Awarded a 100-point score from Robert Parker, this is a benchmark wine from one of Napa Valley’s most revered vineyards. Produced under the direction of François Pinault (owner of Château Latour) and winemaker Frédéric Engerer, it marks a new era of precision and elegance for the estate formerly known as Araujo.
Crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the first full vintage under the Pinault family, and it shows! Immense structure, piercing clarity, and a regal sense of balance that places it in the pantheon of Napa’s greatest.
What Makes Eisele Vineyard So Special?
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100 Points from Robert Parker: “Off-the-charts great… flawless and with no edges.”
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Cult Vineyard Pedigree: From the historic Eisele Vineyard first planted in 1886, farmed organically and biodynamically.
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First Vintage “Berry to Bottle” under Château Latour’s ownership
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Only 1,800 cases produced
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Age-worthy for 30 to 40+ years
Tasting Notes: Structure, Balance, and Age-Worthy Elegance
Parker describes it best: “Opaque bluish/purple to the rim… aromas of pen ink, graphite, blackberry, blueberry, licorice, camphor, incense… full-bodied with extraordinary concentration, remarkable equilibrium, and sweet, integrated tannins.”
From the first pour, it’s pure class with deep black and blue fruit, graphite, dried violets, and a wash of minerality that ties it all together. The palate is structured and powerful, yet lifted with finesse and harmony that few Napa Cabernets achieve. The tannins are tightly knit but silky, and the finish is long, savory, and slightly saline, with the kind of tension that signals decades of aging potential.
2013 Vintage in Napa Valley: A Winemaker’s Dream
The 2013 vintage in Napa was exceptional - warm, dry, and consistent throughout the growing season. The Eisele team harvested between September 12 and October 1, with small, thick-skinned berries delivering natural concentration and superb tannin ripeness. Winemaking was intentionally gentle, letting the fruit and terroir shine with minimal intervention.
As the winemaking team put it:
“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is pure Eisele… The secret was to be gentle and not overdo it. The depth and natural precision of the vintage are combined with the hallmarks of this terroir: elegance, finesse, and mineral tension.”
Where Is Eisele Vineyard? Understanding the Calistoga Terroir
Located in Calistoga at the base of the Palisades, the Eisele Vineyard is one of Napa’s first great terroirs, with gravelly, cobbled soils and a cooler microclimate that yields wines of refined power. Farming has been organic since the 1990s and biodynamic since 2000, ensuring the purity and health of the fruit. The estate dedicates about three-quarters of its 38 acres to Cabernet Sauvignon and blending varieties like Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Final Thoughts:
With its perfect score, flawless construction, and legendary site, the 2013 Eisele Cabernet stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the greats of Napa and Bordeaux alike. If you’re looking for a blue-chip addition to your cellar, or a crown jewel to open for a once-in-a-decade celebration, this is the bottle!
FAQs
Q: Is the 2013 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet a good wine to drink? Cellar?
A: The 2013 Eisele Cabernet is in a fantastic place. With a good decant, it already delivers a thrilling experience! That said, this 100-point Napa legend was built to age. If you have the patience, it will continue evolving beautifully over the next 20–30 years. Drink or cellar? The answer is yes.
Q: Who made the 2013 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon?
A: It was made under the ownership of François Pinault (Château Latour) and crafted by Frédéric Engerer, known for precision and finesse.
Q: What does the 2013 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet taste like?
A: The 2013 Eisele Cabernet is pure sensory elegance! Bursting with layers of blackberry, plum, and a touch of blue fruit, wrapped in notes of graphite, violets, incense, and dark chocolate. It’s full bodied yet remarkably fresh and vibrant, with silk-knit tannins and a mineral backbone that adds lift and precision. The finish is ultra long and harmonious, showcasing the wine’s purity, complexity, and balance in a way that feels just as good as it tastes.