Araujo Syrah Napa Valley Eisele Vineyard (torn label) 2007

92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "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. (May/Jun 2010)"

91 points Robert Parker: "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. (Dec 2010)"

Producer notes: "This deep and dark wine reveals primal notes of scorched earth, clay, roasted cocoa and charcuterie, while Asian notes of Five Spice, clove, star anise and orange rind make this Syrah a delight to the senses. Vibrant flavors of plum sauce and rhubarb are wrapped around a firm inner core, and the fine tannins and long mineral finish denote a wine that is balanced and pure. Notes winemaker Matt Taylor: This expressive wine exhibits smoked meat and ripe fruit aromas on the nose, but in the mouth its true breeding is revealed. The palate is all about finesse, correct proportion, vibrancy and precision, giving enormous satisfaction in a seamless mouthful."