2008 Araujo Estate Syrah Eisele Vineyard RP--95

Robert Parker: 95 Points
Wine Advocate #192 Dec 2010 Robert Parker 95 Drink: 2010 - 2020 $75 (75) Again, the deep blue/purple-colored 2008 Syrah Eisele Vineyard appears to have more to it. The bouquet offers hints of roasted meats, flowers, crushed rocks and blueberries, and the evolved, approachable wine reveals sweet tannins. It is the product of a tiny crop that appears to have given it an extra measure of density. It should drink well for a decade or more. 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.