2016 Eisele Vineyard Syrah

The 2016 Eisele Vineyard Syrah is a rare, small-production Napa Valley red that showcases one of California’s most revered single vineyards. Planted on a privileged site east of Calistoga at the foot of the Palisades, this Syrah combines old-world finesse with the generous fruit and power that Napa does best. Certified organic and biodynamic farming underscores a philosophy of purity and precision, allowing the character of this historic site—first planted to vines in the 1880s—to shine through in every glass.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Eisele Vineyard Syrah is deep, opaque ruby with a vibrant purple rim, hinting at both concentration and youthful energy. The nose is complex and layered, offering an immediate impression of blackcurrant, cassis and blackberry compote, lifted by notes of cracked black pepper, violets, cured meat and graphite. Subtle accents of smoked herbs, black olive, star anise and cocoa powder develop with air, reflecting both site and meticulous élevage. On the palate, this is a full-bodied yet remarkably poised Syrah, with a core of dark berry fruit framed by firm but ultra-fine tannins. The mid-palate shows beautiful tension between richness and freshness, where black plum, cassis and blueberry mingle with savory tones of pepper, sage, and a hint of bacon fat. Integrated acidity keeps the wine vibrant, while a long, persistent finish carries notes of spice, licorice and mineral. The 2016 vintage has the structure to age gracefully for 12–20 years or more, gradually evolving toward more gamey, truffled and tertiary nuances while retaining its finely etched texture.

Production
Eisele Vineyard lies in a sheltered pocket of northeastern Napa Valley, just east of Calistoga, where alluvial soils washed down from the Palisades Mountains overlay cobbles and gravel. This complex geology, combined with warm days, cool nights and consistent breezes, creates an ideal terroir for Syrah, giving both ripeness and aromatic lift. The vines are farmed organically (since 1998) and biodynamically (since 2000), with painstaking attention to soil health and biodiversity. Yields are kept low, and harvesting is done by hand, parcel by parcel, at optimal ripeness to capture both intensity and balance. In the cellar, grapes are carefully sorted and fermented in small lots to preserve site expression, followed by aging in French oak barrels (a portion new) to add polish and complexity without overwhelming the purity of fruit. Production is extremely limited—only 363 cases were made in the 2016 vintage—making this a highly sought-after collector’s Syrah.

Food & Serving
This Syrah’s depth and structure make it a natural partner for rich, savory dishes: think grilled or roasted lamb, dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or slow-cooked game stews. It also pairs beautifully with earthy ingredients like wild mushrooms, lentils, and rosemary-scented root vegetables, as well as aged hard cheeses such as Comté, Manchego or mature Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F) for optimal balance of aroma and freshness. Decanting for 1–2 hours is strongly recommended in its youth to fully open the bouquet and soften the tannins; older bottles can be decanted more gently, primarily to separate from sediment.

Producer
Eisele Vineyard is one of Napa Valley’s most storied sites, with vines first planted in the 1880s and a continuous viticultural history that predates most of the region’s modern fame. Located near Calistoga at the base of the Palisades, the vineyard has long been recognized for producing wines of uncommon clarity, texture and longevity, and has been a benchmark for single-vineyard bottlings in Napa since the late 20th century. Under stewardship dedicated to organic and biodynamic farming, Eisele has become synonymous with terroir-driven, finely crafted wines—especially Cabernet Sauvignon and, increasingly, its distinctive Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. Frequently lauded by leading wine critics and collectors, the estate holds a significant place in Napa’s evolution from powerful varietal wines toward more nuanced, site-expressive bottlings.

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