2007 Eisele Vineyard (Araujo) Syrah
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Tasting notes
Retasting the 2007 Syrah Eisele Vineyard (3-4% Viognier is co-fermented), it exhibits slightly better fruit, a floral, meaty character, soft, round tannins, medium to full body and good length and richness. One of the most extraordinary vineyards of Napa Valley is the Eisele Vineyard, which boasts a 40+ year history of producing compelling wines. It is hard to argue with the track record of this hallowed ground in the northeastern sector just southeast of the old cowboy town of Calistoga. I had a chance to retaste Araujo’s 2007s, which were surprisingly less promising than my barrel tastings suggested. Both the Altagracia and the Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard have improved – slightly. Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep ruby. Very pure, lively aromas of blackberry, violet, licorice and bitter chocolate. Dense, spicy and sweet but not weighty, offering complex flavors of black fruits and minerals complicated by chocolate and game. The long finish features suave, fine-grained tannins and impressive persistence. This has turned out very well.
Good bright, full ruby. Crushed raspberry, violet and a whiff of meat on the aromatic nose. Very ripe and dense on the palate, but much less expressive than on the nose, with a dominant flavor of dark chocolate. Today this seems a bit less suave than the 2006, but then I recall the earlier vintage coming across as rather unformed at a similar stage of its development.
About the producer
Eisele Vineyard is one of Napa’s oldest properties, first planted in the 1880s. Today owned by François Pinault of Ch. Latour, it is known for its top Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as the unique Sauvignon Blanc.