2007 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Hudson Vineyard North Block

From volcanic and sandstone soils (which are very different from the heavy clays soils of the rest of the district), located off Henry Road and on the edge of the Carneros and Mt. Veeder appellations, the 2007 Arnot-Roberts Syrah "North Block" Hudson Vineyard is fermented on native yeast, with 50% whole clusters, and then aged for 11 months in 40% new French oak. The wine is wild and slightly exotic on the nose, with loads of smoky black fruits, bacon, tapenade, and gamey nuances that come through more with air. It shows a fair bit of ripeness on the palate with a fleshy, rich, and full rich mid-palate that's focused brilliantly on the finish by silky tannin and good acids. Drinking extremely well, if still on the young side, this should continue to perform well for another 5-8 years easily.