The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of nectarines, grapefruit and orange blossoms, plus hints of chalk dust, white pepper and oyster shell, with a gentle waft of beeswax. Medium-bodied, elegant and refreshing, the palate delivers impressive intensity with a backbone of racy acidity and a long, chalky finish.

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.comTel. (707) 942-6061

The 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (includes 1% Viognier in the blend; 875 cases produced) offers up beautiful scents of Thai lemon grass, honeyed grapefruit, melons and crushed rocks. Fresh, medium-bodied and very perfumed with beautiful intensity as well as a seductive personality, it can be enjoyed over the next several years. One of the most extraordinary vineyards of Napa Valley is the Eisele Vineyard, which boasts a 40+ year history of producing compelling wines. It is hard to argue with the track record of this hallowed ground in the northeastern sector just southeast of the old cowboy town of Calistoga. I had a chance to retaste Araujo’s 2007s, which were surprisingly less promising than my barrel tastings suggested. Both the Altagracia and the Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard have improved – slightly.Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471