Synonymous with the highest quality, the Araujo name draws great attention to any wine you may find it on or around. After selling their world-famous Eisele Vineyard and estate winery to the owners of Chateau Latour in 2013, Bart and Daphne Araujo redirected their dedicated and passionate efforts to a new, yet equally storied Napa Valley parcel. Originally part of the 2000-acre Carne Humana Spanish land grant, Wheeler Farms was established in 1871 by Charles H. Wheeler, a founding member of the Saint Helena Viticultural Club. On Zinfandel Lane in Saint Helena, at a pinch in the Napa Valley where the days begin and end basked in the golden sun, Bart & Daphne discovered a piece of the original property on the market and quickly purchased it. On an 11-acre ranch they began restoring the historic Wheeler Farms property to its agricultural glory days. With it came a state-of-the-art, custom-crush winemaking facility where the Araujo spirit could influence a collective of vintners and winegrowers, tailoring each lot into a specific, soulful expression that celebrates the bounty of Napa Valley. At the heart of their newest venture came a partnership with Bart and Daphne’s two children, Jaime (Bézian) and Greg Araujo: Accendo Cellars. Together, two generations work side-by-side with their longstanding team including 2019 Winemaker of the Year and veteran of 30+ harvests, Francoise Peschon (Cornell, Araujo Estate, Viader Vineyards, Matt Morris Wines and Vine Hill Ranch) and Napa’s newest 100-pt Winemaker, Nigel Kinsman, whose very own Rhadamanthus Cabernet was shipped to Kahuna Club members last month. The Araujo’s have embraced several likeminded producers who share exceptionally high standards for fruit quality and employ attention to detail as their dominant winemaking technique. Vintner-partners at Wheeler Farms have presented past-Kahuna Club favorites from the likes of Tor Kenward, Kinsman Eades and Vice Versa.
For the Araujo Family, continuing the Wheeler Farms’ legacy means not only illuminating Napa’s rich agricultural history and reconnecting the property with its winemaking roots, but also ushering in the next generation of classic Napa wines and offering fellowship to those responsible for the passion projects that follow. Trois Noix wines are handcrafted in collaboration with amazingly talented friends who also happen to be fabulous winemakers and grapegrowers. Together, they exhaust all resources, scouring the valley for the most compelling vineyards. Sourcing Cabernet from the prestigious Oakville, Rutherford, and Diamond Mountain AVAs, they craft a deeply pleasing representation of Napa’s most sought-after wine. Jaime and her team are honored to have their name on a block of Chardonnay from Oak Knoll’s premier, John Muir-Hanna vineyard, helping to fulfill their vow: push the boundaries of convention while remaining focused on producing deliciously, classic wines.
The 2016 growing season presented ideal conditions throughout Napa Valley for ripening Cabernet. Relatively steady and mild weather in July and August, coupled with a few warm days at the end of the growing season allowed desirable levels of ripeness to be achieved. The 2016 Trois Noix Cabernet Sauvignon reveals aromas of boysenberry, black cherry, cocoa, and tobacco. Dark cherry, mocha, plum, and licorice linger on the palate, and velvety tannins balanced by a touch of acidity delight. A masterful blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. 400 cases produced.
