Inspiration Continues

From day one of their soon-to-be iconic winemaking venture, Bart and Daphne Araujo had a winning formula: a combination of the right vineyards with the right winemaker. Their goal? To craft the best Cabernets in the style of Napa Valley’s yesteryears. Inspired by the pioneers and geniuses that put their appellation on the global wine map, the Araujo name now helps carry the torch that was lit long before them, making them famous with collectors worldwide.

Bart and Daphne had the incredible fortune of buying the Eisele Vineyard, which was already a hallowed parcel because of the groundbreaking wines being produced from it by Ridge and Joseph Phelps. Visionaries with a historic vineyard in their care, they stuck to their mission of producing age-worthy, refined Cabernets that would wow collectors and critics alike. They prioritized organic farming—before it was trendy—knowing that if their vineyard was going to be a Napa Valley crown jewel and family heirloom, then they’d have to give it the best care possible. Crown jewel it certainly became and still is, as well as a family heirloom… however, it has since changed hands from the Araujo family to that of François Pinault, who owns Bordeaux First Growth Château Latour. The baton was passed flawlessly, with Pinault being perhaps the perfect steward to continue the Araujo family’s legacy and achievements at Eisele.

That was not the end of the Araujo winemaking line, though. Not wanting to leave a business and a lifestyle that they’d come to love, Bart and Daphne set out on a new venture, using the same original formula. Over their years of incredible success, they gained access to some of Napa’s other crown jewels, like Vine Hill Ranch, Sleeping Lady, M-Bar Ranch, and Ecotone (formerly the source for Abreu’s Thorevilos bottling). These now make up the backbone of their new grand vin: Accendo. They brought along winemaker Françoise Peschon, who began working for the family all the way back in 1993, as well as Nigel Kinsman, former Winemaker at Araujo Estate. As if that weren’t enough star power, they retained globally famous consulting enologist Michel Rolland, who has helped fine tune Araujo wines for two decades now. Put all that together, and it’s no surprise that the name Accendo comes from the Latin verb meaning “to inspire” or “to kindle.”

Bart and Daphne’s daughter, Jamie, brings to life the Araujo family’s third project: J.H. Wheeler (where Accendo is also made). We introduced you to this great project last year, which is helmed on the production side by none other than Nigel Kinsman, who is (unsurprisingly) arguably the hottest name in Napa winemaking today. If you’re looking for winery-direct Wheeler wines, then you only have two options for these highly allocated bottlings: the winery’s mailing list and, because of our relationship with the winery, Domaine.

These are all among the best Cabernets produced in Napa Valley, from one of the most exacting and uncompromising winemaking families anywhere in the world. If you’re already familiar, then you know to hop on this offer before missing out. If you’re not familiar, then this is your chance to add some true blue chips to your collection.