Cabernet Sauvignon La Voleuse du Chagrin Napa Valley

Geeslin Vineyard, a tiny vineyard that was once part of Eisel Vineyard, in the immediate vicinity of Nigel's former place of work Araujo Estate at the north-eastern end of Napa Valley, is the source of this ravishing wine. Believe it or not, Araujo Estate was the first winery we visited in California. Toni Soter, then a superstar in Napa Valley much like Thomas Brown is today, was responsible for Araujo's wines in 1995, wines that we loved, nay, adored and enjoyed whenever we had the chance; still do today ... but only when the price of the bottle is right.

This may explain my preference for this wine, which is so outrageously intensely fruity, but also mineral - I think I can also recognize iodine notes. A complex, but also indescribably beguiling aroma - if only I had another bottle of this wine for myself. The flow of the wine may seem a little rustic, but it doesn't matter, that's just the way it is. And over the years, the whole thing is bound to clean up a bit and if it doesn't, it doesn't matter. I like it as it is.