Cayuse Vineyards
God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache
Walla Walla Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Tasted blind. Scarlet purple core and very opaque. Herbal nose. Notes of plum, Provençal herbs, a little kirsch. Big in the palate but not over the top. Guessed older CA Syrah. Fun to try.
Tasted blind. Scarlet purple core and very opaque. Herbal nose. Notes of plum, Provençal herbs, a little kirsch. Big in the palate but not over the top. Guessed older CA Syrah. Fun to try.
Jul 13th, 2020
Cayuse was called for after a long week at the office which consisted of tastings at Larkmead and Skipstone (not to mention tasting each barrel of 2016 Theorem) and visits to our two new vineyard sites (Moon Mountain and Dry Creek). The highlight of the week, though, was my first working lunch at Diavola in Geyserville. I get it now... anytime close and it’s mandatory.
As for this Cayuse... the 2011 God Only Knows Grenache comes from a 7 acre parcel of the Armada Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley. The other 25 acres or so are planted to Syrah. While close to being ready immediately, an hour open really helps it work out the kinks, which should almost be expected for a wine this exotic. At its core it is kirsch infused with fresh cracked pepper, forest floor, and Herbes de Provence, with a pure minerality that adds just enough acid, but not too much that it keeps the Strawberry from shaking its ass. Stunning.
Cayuse was called for after a long week at the office which consisted of tastings at Larkmead and Skipstone (not to mention tasting each barrel of 2016 Theorem) and visits to our two new vineyard sites (Moon Mountain and Dry Creek). The highlight of the week, though, was my first working lunch at Diavola in Geyserville. I get it now... anytime close and it’s mandatory.
As for this Cayuse... the 2011 God Only Knows Grenache comes from a 7 acre parcel of the Armada Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley. The other 25 acres or so are planted to Syrah. While close to being ready immediately, an hour open really helps it work out the kinks, which should almost be expected for a wine this exotic. At its core it is kirsch infused with fresh cracked pepper, forest floor, and Herbes de Provence, with a pure minerality that adds just enough acid, but not too much that it keeps the Strawberry from shaking its ass. Stunning.
Super crazy. Beef blood, white peppercorn, raspy herbs, somewhat astringent, super dark and funky brett. 24 hours of air let more life into this wine. Dark and dense fruit came around. Still lots of dark earthy/mineral flavors coupled with many savory elements. More harmony but this must be going to through a closed period because it seemed angry to be awake.
Super crazy. Beef blood, white peppercorn, raspy herbs, somewhat astringent, super dark and funky brett. 24 hours of air let more life into this wine. Dark and dense fruit came around. Still lots of dark earthy/mineral flavors coupled with many savory elements. More harmony but this must be going to through a closed period because it seemed angry to be awake.
Nov 24th, 2016
Dried fruit in the nose, dried cherries, smoke, tobacco, mocha and earthy in the palate. Even at 10 years, it still needs a long time to breathe. Would go well with a hearty stew or soup.
Dried fruit in the nose, dried cherries, smoke, tobacco, mocha and earthy in the palate. Even at 10 years, it still needs a long time to breathe. Would go well with a hearty stew or soup.
Dec 3rd, 2021
This is such a great expression of Grenache. Bright, spicy, and rich. Lovely
This is such a great expression of Grenache. Bright, spicy, and rich. Lovely
Dec 1st, 2016Its clear, precise and focused. Peppery and a little fruity. A tad monolithic?
Its clear, precise and focused. Peppery and a little fruity. A tad monolithic?
Jun 14th, 2016
Need lots of air and time to show itself
Need lots of air and time to show itself
Jul 20th, 2015