2014 is a vintage that has a classic Eisley feel to it, and it gives the impression of being more open than 2013.
Eisley's fruity aromas include white flowers, wild berries, black currants and dried roses, as well as gentle notes of vanilla, cinnamon and almond.
When exposed to air, it takes on a hint of bitten cherry.
The silky smooth, dense mouthfeel and fine tannins speak to the aristocratic elegance of this vintage.
The palate is pure and ripe with fruit leading to subtle hints of salt, pepper, turmeric and licorice on the finish.
This magnificent vintage combines exceptional brilliance and aromatic complexity with the elegance and finesse that are Eisley's hallmark.
Although Napa Valley's winter precipitation in 2014 was half of normal, heavy rains fell in March just before budbreak, flooding Eiseley Vineyard.
After that, it got warmer and there was no spring frost, so this was the earliest bud break ever.
Flowering occurred two weeks earlier than in 2013, with small, uniform, good quality flowers.
Mild weather in July allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, before warmer temperatures in August and September accelerated ripening.
The warmer temperatures produced excellent, delicate yet very satisfying fruit, and the harvest took place between 15th September and 1st October.
Gentle pressing and slow fermentation bring out the fruit's characteristics, while the toast and origin of the oak barrels are carefully selected to suit each vineyard plot, allowing the wine's character to develop during barrel aging.
Eiseley Vineyards grapes are CCOF certified organic and Demeter certified biodynamic.
Eiseley Vineyards is located on an alluvial fan east of Calistoga near the northern edge of Napa Valley and has been home to some of the most enduring and flavorful Cabernet Sauvignon since 1971.
Protected by the Parizase Mountains to the north and cooled by the cold air from the west coming through the Chalk Hill Gap, the approximately 15.2 hectares of vineyards have well-drained soil rich in round stones, which allows the grapes to grow with low yields and a rich concentration.
The wines produced from this magnificent vineyard have a unique combination.
It has a straightforward personality and a precise, clear flavor, but it also has a smooth texture and a concentrated feel without feeling heavy, and it also has the elements that create complex flavors through aging.
Eiseley Vineyards was first planted with vines in the 1880s, originally vineyards of Zinfandel and Riesling.
Grapes have been planted continuously since then, with the first Cabernet Sauvignon being planted in 1964 by Milt and Barbara Isley.
After a string of amazing wines emerged in the 1970s, visionary Napa Valley vintner Joseph Phelps would produce what would become his legendary Cabernet Sauvignon from this vineyard.
From 1975 through 1991, Joseph Phelps' final vintage of Eiseley, this vineyard produced wines of incredible character and quality that were unmatched.
Two wines were produced from Eiseley Vineyard in the 1991 vintage.
One is Phelps' final vintage, and the other is an Arroho Estate wine released by the Arrohos, who purchased Eiseley Vineyard that year.
Since then, Arrojo's Eisley Vineyard wines have established themselves as some of California's most cult wines.
Since 2000, Arrojo Estate has practiced biodynamic farming and received Demeter biodynamic certification in 2005.
We have always practiced winemaking by adapting to the rhythms of nature, both in terms of cultivation and brewing.
In 2013, Arrojo was acquired by François Pinault, known as the owner of Château Latour, a first-class Bordeaux winery, Domaine Dugénie and Monopole Clos de Tart in Burgundy, and Château Grillet in Condrieu.
Under the supervision of Chateau Latour's General Manager, Frederic Angela, the estate uses grapes from the historic Eisele vineyard to produce classic yet modern Napa Valley wines.
In 2016, in order to demonstrate the terroir and quality of this vineyard, the winery was renamed "Eiseley Vineyards" and aims for further growth.