2007 Stefania Syrah Eaglepoint Ranch

WOW! Has it really been a year since we last tried this vintage? Well, according to CellarTracker it has, and the last one we opened was on May 30th of 2009. My notes from then were that it was young, and needed some air, but once it opened, it was a joy. After re-reading that, I have to say that another year in the bottle has done this wine wonders.

Is it still very young? Absolutely! Is it perfect for a pop and pour right now? Not at all, but an hour or two in the decanter will do this wine absolute wonders. Nose of bright cherry and hints of plum, with subtle spice and peppers. Hints of creamy oak, vanilla sweetness, and the faintest bit of smoke round out the nose.

On the palate, this wine really opens up by the end of the first glass, and is absolute heaven. This is everything that I love about syrah, without that in your face overwhelming pepper. The pepper and spice seems to be very subdued, and I can really appreciate that with this wine. Hints of mocha really round out the palate, with a nice acidity, and a very pleasant finish, that is not hot in the least. Although this wine is still so young, I do not get any hotness from the alcohol, and the oak seems to be integrated nicely. Drink now or hold. Pop and pour or decant. Either way, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. 92 points, and I can see this wine continuing to evolve well beyond 3-5 years. 92 points. Cheers!