The Araujo family is one of the most important winemaking families in the history of Napa Valley. With the foundation of their legacy built on the historic Eisele Vineyard, the family’s contributions to the production of classic-rated Cabernet Sauvignon continue, even after the 2013 sale of their legendary Calistoga estate.

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 St. Helena Viticultural Club. The property spanned both sides of Highway 29 between Zinfandel and Stice Lane. 

In 1894, Charles’ son and president of the California Board of Viticulture, J.H. Wheeler, expanded the farm with the purchase of 100 more acres. This purchase included the modern-day Wheeler Farms property, which was planted with grape vines, fruit, nut, and citrus trees at the time. ​Eleven acres of J.H. Wheeler’s property located at 588 Zinfandel Lane remained in the Wheeler family until 2009.

In 2014, a group of oenophiles led by Bart and Daphne Araujo purchased the property and committed to continuing the Wheeler Farms’ legacy, reconnecting the property with its agricultural and winemaking roots. 

Today, Wheeler Farms is a diversified expression of Napa Valley’s rich agricultural history. In addition to more than seven acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc planted in 2016, the estate is home to a heritage fruit tree orchard, olive trees, edible gardens, chickens and bees.

While the Araujo family has gone all in on their main endeavor, Accendo Cellars, they have also developed a label that pays tribute to 19th-century Napa Valley farmer and winegrower John Hoffman Wheeler, whose family owned the present-day Wheeler Farms property in St. Helena and was active in the early years of California’s wine industry, both before and after prohibition.

J.H. Wheeler produces single-vineyard wines from historic vineyard sites with distinguishing characteristics and respectful farming practices. The wines include a selection of Cabernet Sauvignons that are expressive of the individual terroir from which they originate. Winemaker Nigel Kinsman leads the production of these wines at the new, state-of-the-art Wheeler Farms winery.

Today’s Mayacama wine offer provides members with access to three 2019 J.H. Wheeler bottlings, all of which are limited production bottlings; 350 cases or less.

2019 J.H. Wheeler Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon coming from 4 separate vineyard sources; Upper Range (Rutherford), Rancho Pequeno (Oakville), Red Hen (Oak Knoll), and Franz Hill (Calistoga). Deep in color with a core of ruby giving way to purple hues, this Cabernet Sauvignon is intensely fresh on the nose. Notes of dark fruit and graphite are lifted by the sweeter scents of toasted spice and fennel blossoms. The freshness of this wine carries forward on the palate with bright acidity that is carefully balanced with textured tannins and rounded mouthfeel. This 2019 Napa Valley truly captures the spirit and beauty of this special place. 161 cases produced.

2019 J.H. Wheeler Cuvee 1880 Proprietary Blend -- 76% Cabernet Sauvignon ,13% Petit Verdot & 11% Cabernet Franc. Upper Range (Rutherford), Rancho Pequeno (Oakville), and Franz Hill (Calistoga). Deep ruby purple with a smoldering nose of blackberry, currant, black plum, dark chocolate, espresso, and savory herbs. Full bodied, yet light on its feet, with fine grained firm tannins, balancing acidity, and a lengthy finish. 326 cases produced.

2019 J.H. Wheeler Beckstoffer Vineyards Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the historic Beckstoffer Georges III vineyard (Rutherford). Explosive nose of black currant, boysenberry, black plum, smoke, cedar, roasted coffee bean. Full, lush palate, with firm finely textured tannin, acid that ties it all together through the long finish. 304 cases produced.

With the holidays just around the corner, these wines are great for gifts, or to enjoy around the fire with friends and family.

As always, feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you for your continued support.

Cheers!

Carey Vanderborg, Wine Director

2019 J.H. Wheeler Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – $135/btl

2019 J.H. Wheeler Cuvee 1880 Proprietary Blend – $175/btl

2019 J.H. Wheeler Beckstoffer Vineyards Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon – $225/btl

Click here for more information about the wines.