Trois Noix
It’s no secret that Napa valley has been growing some of the world's best grapes for almost half a century. An abundance of ideal soil type, an almost perfect climate with a diverse geology from... Read More
It’s no secret that Napa valley has been growing some of the world's best grapes for almost half a century. An abundance of ideal soil type, an almost perfect climate with a diverse geology from bayside, rolling hills to alluvial river plains and mountain canyons. Simply put, the valley has almost unparalleled terroir for the production of world class wines.
Many in the valley took this abundance and ran with it. An opulent style took over. The warm climate and rich soil allowed for the cultivation of grapes at a high level of ripeness resulting in wine being decadently fuited. To add structure, these wines would often spend years in brand new French oak barrels before bottling. The results were wines of a proportion rarely seen. Massive in fruit, oak and alcohol, with prices to match. While a successful exercise in opulent pleasure, these qualities masked any of the subtleties that speak to a wine's origins.
These days there are small signs of stylistic shift, or at least a diversification. There have always been holdouts and champions of a more restrained style in the Valley and to their voices has been added those of a new generation laser focused on producing wines that are a prism into their terroir. In that latter group belongs Jaime Araujo and her Trois Noix Label.
Jaime’s last name might sound a bit familiar. For almost twenty five years the Araujo Family were the owners and caretakers of one of Napa Valley's crown jewels, the Eisele Vineyard. Jaime was away most of those years building a successful career in France and London. In 2013 the Araujos sold the vineyard, and in 2016 Jaime moved back from Europe to help out with her parents’ new project Accendo Cellars.
It didn't take long for Jaime to strike out on her own. With all her years of learning and drinking in Europe and her access to some of the best fruit on the planet, it was almost a no brainer. But starting a winery is never easy, especially if you don't have a large corporate backer or enough money that losing a whole lot of it won't matter too much. Jaime initially began the project with her brother, but she is now the sole proprietor and continues to carefully grow Trois Noix.
Jaime is a partner at Accendo Cellars, but at Trois Noix she is able to apply the sensibilities she acquired in Europe. Balance and elegance are at the core of each bottling. They are like the great Napa bottles from the 60’s and 70’s; incredibly enjoyable to drink upon release but with an ability to evolve for years to come.
Jaime, obviously doesn't do this all alone. Along with her small staff, she relies on the community around her; a community that is filled with talented artists and craft folks, always willing to lend a hand. Jaime counts among her friends some of the world’s top winemaking talents whose advice she finds invaluable. She sources fruit from old family friends, many of them owners of legendary sites. Even her graphic designer she met at a neighbor's party.
It’s no surprise that Jaime is surrounded by such a great group of folks. She is so kind and generous herself, the kind of person that attracts talented and creative souls. Her warm and easy demeanor along with her sharp intellect and intense focus are reminiscent of her wines. Wines that are fun and pleasurable from the moment you pop the cork but whose complexity and structure will keep you interested for years to come. We are very excited to know and work with someone like Jaime and to get to drink and sell her gorgeous wines.