Elegance Away From The Hustle And Bustle
St Helena, California
Wine Style: New World / Cabernet and Terzetto
Average Price: $ - $$$
Overall Rating: 92 points
Article Written: August 2014
Article Updated: September 2019
By Sean Overpeck (CFE)
**A full article and index glossary of restaurants, wines, recipes and travel for
Wine Dine and Play are in the pages section above, or by following these links:
Château or Vineyard Owner:
Christiane & Alexander Eisele
Viticulturist:
Alexander Eisele
John McKay
John McKay
Winemaker:
Molly Lyman
"Unmistakable elegance and impeccable balance" — Robert Parker Jr.
The St. Helena region of Napa Valley is known for its strong and versatile cabernets and Volker Eisele is no different from them, except for the fact that it is a cult wine, so you are not going to find it at the average store. However, it is well worth you purchasing a few bottles to see if it fits your palette.
The Volker Eisele Family Estate creates wines from the Chiles Valley appellation of the Napa Valley. Organically farmed for forty years, the Estate produces wines of uncommon balance and finesse. The Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its elegance, depth, and complexity. Terzetto is a unique proprietary blend of co-fermented Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, while Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, combined in the Bordeaux style, create the luscious Gemini.
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| Volker Eisele / wine tasting |
Elegance away from the hustle and bustle of the large tour groups in Napa, Chiles Valley on the eastern end of the county, not only brings peace and quiet but an outstanding group of Cabernets and Meritage blends. The cooler, longer growing season is very suitable for Bordeaux varietals. The vineyard has been farmed by the same family working in the vineyard since 1974. 72% of the vineyard is planted in Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.5% Merlot, 10.5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Semillon and 2% Sauvignon Blanc. Seven different Cabernet clones have been incorporated to provide a diversity of flavor.
Three separate wines are produced by the Volker Eisele estate; the Terzetto, Gemini, which is their white wine, and their Cabernet. The Alexander is their special reserve cabernet, which is just out of this world. 1200 cases are produced from the cabernet, but only 125 for the Alexander, so it is in very high demand, and usually will sell out very quickly after being introduced.
Volker Eisele is a wonderful expression of cult Napa Valley wines that make you want more and collect a special bottle for a special day. The Alexander Cabernet reminds me of other wonderful cult or fine cabernets such as Castello di Amorosa in Napa, and La Motte in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Both produce excellent cabernets or Meritage style blends.
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| Volker Eisele / wine on the beach |
Wine and Grape:
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Nose (Bouquet):
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Palate Experience:
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2010 Terzetto
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Winemaker Notes:
Composition: 1/3 Cabernet Sauvignon, 1/3 Cabernet Franc, 1/3 Merlot. The wine is deep red in color with a tinge of purple. Deeper red fruits are evident in the aromas
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Winemaker Notes:
Flavors backed by vibrant toasty oak, sweet vanilla, moderate alcohol, and soft tannins all contribute to the sensation of a wine that fulfills its namesake of being wine in harmony. Drinkable now but will age gracefully due to its heritage.
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2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
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Winemaker Notes:
84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot. The color is a vibrant garnet, aromas of ripe black cherry fruit and sweet vanilla oak.
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Winemaker Notes:
Mature tannins and good acidity to make this a great accompaniment to many cuisines. This wine has a long future, but can be enjoyed today. 92 –Robert Parker Jr.
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2012 Gemini
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Winemaker Notes:
All fruit is organically grown in our estate vineyard. 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Aromatics and fullness of flavor that is evident in the finished wine. Fruit aromas of pineapple and mango are evident, yet subtle.
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Winemaker Notes:
The flavors are soft and round, with a palate texture reminiscent of custard. While very enjoyable now, patience in aging will add depth and complexity to the experience that only a predominately Semillon based wine like Gemini will give.
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Final notes, review basics, and observations:
*** NOTE TO THE READER ***
Most reviews are subjective, depending on the writer; but they should also be responsible, and respectfully written, upholding the truth, and accurately conveying the experience to the best of the writer's knowledge, even if it includes metaphors the restaurant may not like to read about.
To see more details of this rating list, read this article:
I refer to myself as an oenophile though, oenophilia is defined as “a disciplined devotion to wine, accompanying strict traditions of consumption and appreciation.” In a general sense, oenophilia also refers to the enjoyment of wine, often by a layman — which I am, and not qualified as a professional. I just enjoy drinking it, so my rating is based on enjoyment and the overall experience, not the science of an expert, and thus subjective, not objective. See the score factors outlined in the ‘about page’ on how I arrived at the rating percentage below:
Overall Star Rating For Volker Eisele:
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92 /100:
An Extraordinary Tasting Experience
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93/100 on the 2010 Terzetto, 92 on the cabernet
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93/100 on the 2006 Terzetto
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Wines Produced by Volker Eisele:
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Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Blend Terzetto
White: Sauvignon Blanc
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Grape Blends:
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Red:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, & Cabernet Franc
White:
Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon or Muscadelle du Bordelais
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Barrel Types and Aging:
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New French oak barrels from Treuil cooperage for 24 months
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Wine regulatory’s for the tastings in this article:
“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is the strength, in the water there are bacteria.” - David Auerbach
United States:
California:
Sub-Napa AVA’s:
Other California wines, wineries (Château’s), or food articles on Wine Dine and Play:
Napa - A Sip and Taste in Wine County A 3-day tour of wineries and fine dining restaurants in Napa County, California
Blackbird Vineyards Wine Tasting An ultra-premium terroir in Napa, California
Castello di Amorosa Tuscan inspired castle with wine — friends of the Baron - Calistoga, Napa, California
Chateau Montelena The famed Bottle Shock “Judgement of Paris” winner in Calistoga, California
Crocker and Star Wine Tasting Capturing the essence of Cabernet in St Helena, California
Emmolo Wine Tasting A merlot comparable to no other in Rutherford, California
Flying Horse Wine Tasting A spirited winery with Arabian horses in Oakville, California
Gustavo Winery Artisan winemaker whose story is tied to “The Judgement of Paris” in Napa, California
Hoopes Winery Tasting Cult cabernet winemaker with Liparita and Hoopes labels in Oakville, California
Jonata Winery Tasting Screaming Eagles sister winery, El Desafio cab, in Santa Barbara, California
Kamen Estates Low yield, high quality + film writing in Sonoma, California
Ma(i)sonry Wine Tasting An aesthetic portfolio of wines in Yountville, California
Mirror Wine Tasting A beautiful Cabernet from a family of entrepreneurs in St Helena, California
Ottimino Winery Exclusive red Zinfandel producer partnered with William Knuttel in Sonoma, California
Row 11 Santa Maria Pinot An Old World style Pinot from Santa Maria, California
Row 11 Tasting Pinot grapes using Dijon clones in Santa Maria, California
Silver Oak Cellars Near the Silverado Trail, known for high-end Cabernet in Oakville, California
Twomey Wine Tasting Napa and Sonoma wines owned by Silver Oak, Calistoga, Napa California
California cuisine is a style of cuisine marked by an interest in fusion cuisine (integrating disparate cooking styles and ingredients) and in the use of freshly prepared local ingredients. The food is typically prepared with strong attention to presentation. Foods low in saturated fats and high in fresh vegetables and fruits with lean meats and seafood from the California coast often define the style.
5A5 Steak Lounge Modern Japanese steakhouse with chic design in San Francisco, California
Alioto’s Restaurant Historic restaurant serving Sicilian-infused seafood in San Francisco, California
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse Chain (180+) for pub grub and brewed beer; reviewed in Pinellas Park, Florida
Casita Taqueria a fast-casual taqueria serving homemade artisan Mexican food specializing especially in tacos and burritos in St. Petersburg, Florida
Ciccio Cali inspired cuisine from California using antibiotic-free meats, organic and Non-GMO vegetables in St. Petersburg, Florida
Cowgirl Creamery Artisan Cheese Shop “aka” Cowgirl Cantina in Point Reyes Station, California
FarmTable Cucina organic, sustainable, and local with a focus on Italian and New American themes in St. Petersburg, Florida
FarmTable Kitchen Casual Cal-Italian cuisine and chef tables in St. Petersburg, Florida
Fleur de Lys Lavish French-Californian by Hubert Keller in San Francisco, California
Gaia Restaurant Organic and sustainable concept in American Canyon, California (Renamed Table 29 Bistro and Bar)
Greystone CIA Restaurant CIA School restaurant formally called Wine Spectator now GateHouse in Calistoga, California
The French Laundry French-American fine dining restaurant in Yountville, California
Wipeout Bar and Grill Surf shack theme with California and Mexican cuisine in San Francisco, California
Wolfgang Puck Celebrity Chef’s California cuisine and fine dining chain; reviewed in Orlando, Florida
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary”
A Few New World Favorites:
New World wines are those wines produced outside the traditional wine-growing areas of Europe and the Middle East, in particular from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, United States (California, Florida, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington State,Virginia),Thailand, and Uruguay.
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Yearly tasting event at Hyde Park
Sydney, Australia
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Wine and food tour
Cape Town, South Africa
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A tour of food and wine from a 2015 tour in Oregon wine country
Dundee, Willamette, Oregon
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Some Old World Favorites:
Old World wine refers primarily to wine made in Europe but can also include other regions of the Mediterranean basin with long histories of winemaking such as North Africa and the Near East. These countries include Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Macedonia, Moldova, Morocco Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Sicily, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey.
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Wine tours and restaurants
Bordeaux, France
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A tasting of the Vougeot AOC, caves, and the Hospices de Beaune
Burgundy, France
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Sancerre wines
Loire Valley, France
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See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary by country”
Bottle Prices
(excluding taxes)
$£€¥ - Under 50.00 (inexpensive)
$£€¥ x 2 - 51.00- 99.00 (moderate)
$£€¥ x 3 - Over 100.00 (pricey)
$£€¥ x 4 - Over 200.00 (expensive)
$£€¥ x 5 - Over 400.00 (very expensive)
**Currencies reflect the world’s major wine countries and connoisseur’s**
Currency rates in the top wine-producing & wine purchasing countries:
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Price Chart :
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Alexander (750 ml)
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United States Dollar (USD)
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$$$
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Australian Dollar (AUS)
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$$$
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Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
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£££
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Canadian Dollar (CAN)
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$$$
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Chinese Yuan (CNY)
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¥¥¥¥¥
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European Union (EUR)
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€€€
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New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
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$$$
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South African Rand (ZAR)
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RRRRR
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Gemini (750 ml)
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United States Dollar (USD)
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$
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Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
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£
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European Union (EUR)
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€
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Terzetto (750 ml)
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United States Dollar (USD)
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$$
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Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
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££
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European Union (EUR)
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€€
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Volker Eisele:
3080 Lower Chiles Valley Road,
St Helena, CA 94574
Tasting Room Information:
Website:
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Tasting room:
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+01 707-965-9485
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Email:
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Tasting Room Hours:
Pacific Standard Time (GMT, Zulu, or UTC-8:00)
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Monday - Sunday:
10:30 am - 3:00 pm
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Social Media
And
Accolades for
Volker Eisele:
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****
The worlds best restaurants is a subjective list of who is writing it and changes on a regular basis. The Wine Dine and Play best experiences are based on my highest rated stared restaurants, meaning that the visit was an outstanding or extraordinary experience. From cafés, chains, mom + pops, hole in the walls, to fine dining including a few Michelin spots. Visit the Top 100 page to see the entire list.
A few to tease you with…
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Top 10 American fine-dining ornate chophouse
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Turkish culinary journey with an eclectic European twist
Plaza Versace Hotel, Dubai, UAE
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Seasonal Irish with French gastronomic dining
Dublin, Ireland
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Other Volker Eisele Pictures:
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| Volker Eisele / Estate |
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| Volker Eisele / organic certification |
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| Volker Eisele / cabernet |
“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is the strength, in the water there are bacteria.”
- David Auerbach
Who is John Galt?
TTFN
