The 2010 Syrah Eisele Vineyard is dazzling. Ripe black cherries, flowers, spices, licorice and tar are some of the many notes that merge from this sensual, layered Syrah. The 2010 bursts with varietal character, not to mention it has tons of personality. New leather, violets and black olives wrap around the finish. The firm yet polished tannins suggest the wine will drink well for many years. The 2010 was vinified with stems, the first time Araujo has experimented with whole clusters in the Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2018.This is a great showing from Bart and Daphne Araujo and their team, headed by consultant Francoise Peschon and winemaker Nigel Kinsman. The Araujo wines are defined by their distinctive elegance and overall finesse. Earlier this year I had a chance to taste a number of wines from the Eisele vineyard made in the 1970s, before the Araujos bought the vineyard, that showed the inherent greatness of this Calistoga site. Naturally the Cabernet Sauvignon gets most of the attention here, but I find the Syrah almost as compelling. It is easily one of the finest Syrahs being made in Napa Valley. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard had just been bottled a few weeks prior to my visit. I tasted two bottles, but neither was particularly forthcoming. I will report on the 2009 in a few months, once the wine has had a chance to settle down. Readers interested in learning more about the estate may want to take a look at my two-part interview with Bart and Daphne Araujo on www.erobertparker.comTel. (707) 942-6061
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