Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1989)

About this wine

The 1989 Joseph Phelps Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon offers a refined bouquet of blackberry, cassis, and cedar, complemented by hints of eucalyptus and mint. On the palate, it presents a harmonious blend of dark fruit flavors, including blackcurrant and plum, with undertones of tobacco and earthy minerals. The tannins have softened over time, resulting in a smooth, well-integrated structure that enhances the wine's elegance. This vintage reflects the distinctive terroir of the Eisele Vineyard, known for producing wines with depth and longevity. Despite the challenges of the 1989 growing season, this wine has matured gracefully, showcasing the resilience and quality of both the vineyard and the winemaking.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and resilience, making it a favorite among vintners worldwide. In Napa Valley, this grape found an exceptional home, particularly in the Eisele Vineyard near Calistoga, first planted with Cabernet Sauvignon in 1964. Joseph Phelps Vineyards began sourcing grapes from Eisele Vineyard in 1975, producing single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons that highlighted the vineyard's unique terroir. The 1989 vintage was among the last of these collaborations, as the vineyard changed ownership in 1990, marking the end of an era for Phelps' Eisele Vineyard bottlings.

Quick facts

• 🏞️ The Eisele Vineyard, where this wine originates, has a rich history dating back to the 1880s when it was first planted with Zinfandel and Riesling.
• 🍇 Joseph Phelps Vineyards produced single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Eisele Vineyard from 1975 through 1991, showcasing the vineyard's exceptional quality.
• 📅 The 1989 vintage of this wine is notable as one of the last produced by Joseph Phelps from the Eisele Vineyard before the vineyard was sold to Bart and Daphne Araujo in 1990.
• 🌱 The Eisele Vineyard is renowned for its unique terroir, featuring cobbly, mineral-rich soils that contribute to the distinctive character of its Cabernet Sauvignon.
• 🍷 Wines from the Eisele Vineyard, including the 1989 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, are celebrated for their longevity and complexity, often developing beautifully over decades.

Palate profile

Producer

Joseph Phelps Vineyards was founded in 1973 by Joe Phelps, a former construction executive from Colorado, who transformed a 600-acre cattle ranch near St. Helena, California, into a renowned winery. In 1974, the winery introduced 'Insignia,' the first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend in California, marking a significant innovation in the state's wine industry. Over the years, Joseph Phelps Vineyards expanded its estate to include 525 acres across 11 vineyards in Napa Valley and the Sonoma Coast, emphasizing sustainable practices and land preservation. In 2022, the winery was acquired by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), integrating it into a global portfolio of luxury wine brands.