Cayuse Vineyards

Cailloux Vineyard Syrah

9.231 ratings
9.117 pro ratings
Walla Walla Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Syrah
Lamb
Top Notes For
Shay A
9.5

My contribution for the big celebration yesterday evening. This is drinking at its peak (in my opinion). It is a blend of new world Syrah with a core of northern Rhône/hermitage. It starts off with the typical classical funk that Cayuse is known for not but not super intense (that signature wet fox fur) alongside some stemmy notes and underripe black cherry. When it hits the palate, it really shines showing iron, teriyaki, and olive tapenade. The savoriness of these wines meshes well with the fruit as age sets in and the fruit kind of comes back for a last gasp...old blackberry and spicy rhubarb pie. Held up extremely well in the decanter even after 3+ hours. I’d drink up, but it will certainly stay in this window for a while.

My contribution for the big celebration yesterday evening. This is drinking at its peak (in my opinion). It is a blend of new world Syrah with a core of northern Rhône/hermitage. It starts off with the typical classical funk that Cayuse is known for not but not super intense (that signature wet fox fur) alongside some stemmy notes and underripe black cherry. When it hits the palate, it really shines showing iron, teriyaki, and olive tapenade. The savoriness of these wines meshes well with the fruit as age sets in and the fruit kind of comes back for a last gasp...old blackberry and spicy rhubarb pie. Held up extremely well in the decanter even after 3+ hours. I’d drink up, but it will certainly stay in this window for a while.

Apr 27th, 2019
Brandon Sparks-Gillis

One of the first bottles that I coravin'd. Enjoyed 3 times since February, but it reached a new peak last night and today: so floral yesterday and meaty today.

One of the first bottles that I coravin'd. Enjoyed 3 times since February, but it reached a new peak last night and today: so floral yesterday and meaty today.

3 people found it helpfulJul 3rd, 2014
Greg Giere

Opened by Ben Smith during lunch today. Great purity of fruit with that trademark olive tapenade rocks funk. Showing very well.

Opened by Ben Smith during lunch today. Great purity of fruit with that trademark olive tapenade rocks funk. Showing very well.

1 person found it helpfulApr 12th, 2015
David Traynor

Assistant Winemaker Vin du Lac Winery

9.1

Yup, this happened. It was everything I expected. Perfect amount of funk and fruit.

Yup, this happened. It was everything I expected. Perfect amount of funk and fruit.

1 person found it helpfulMar 26th, 2015
Lori Mike

Pours jam in color. ON THE NOSE: plum raspberry cinnamon and ginger. ON THE PALATE: blackberry stewed plum nutmeg medium body long finish.

Pours jam in color. ON THE NOSE: plum raspberry cinnamon and ginger. ON THE PALATE: blackberry stewed plum nutmeg medium body long finish.

Nov 27th, 2015
jerod peitsmeyer

funk tastic

funk tastic

Nov 3rd, 2015
Erik McLaughlin

Vice President Seven Hills Winery

9.2

Remarkable nose of olive, green branch, wild strawberry, herb, meat - simply beautiful to smell. Less complex on the round and supple palate yet still purely pleasurable.

Remarkable nose of olive, green branch, wild strawberry, herb, meat - simply beautiful to smell. Less complex on the round and supple palate yet still purely pleasurable.

Oct 1st, 2015
Kent Waliser

Aged to perfection. Could've waited but why???

Aged to perfection. Could've waited but why???

Dec 24th, 2014
Lori Mike

Sadly I have to say I think this may be past its prime. Dark stewed fruit ripe raspberry and rubber. A disappointment.

Sadly I have to say I think this may be past its prime. Dark stewed fruit ripe raspberry and rubber. A disappointment.

Nov 15th, 2014
Stan W
8.4

Odd

Odd

Aug 4th, 2016