In This Newsletter:
Cayuse Wines & Christophe Baron Champagne
Newly Arrived / Arriving Tomorrow!
Cayuse Wines & Christophe Baron Champagne
Newly Arrived / Arriving Tomorrow!
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ml $299 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Pure perfection in a glass, the 2016 Syrah Bionic Frog is another magical wine from this estate and is as good as it gets. Crème de cassis, rose petals, menthol, ash, and smoky, meaty, soy sauce notes all emerge from this singular wine. Full-bodied, expansive, and powerful yet weightless on the palate, it has ultra-fine tannins, a brilliant finish, and a singular, magical character. It matches the otherworldly 2014 and 2010 and is one of the wines of the vintage.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2016 Syrah Bionic Frog needs no introduction, as its reputation proceeds it. Aromas of black fruit, olive and savory herbs with hints of mustard seed waft from the nose. The palate shows soft flavors of smoke and ash over a firm core of minerality that is very pleasurable, continuing on to the long-lingering finish and aftertaste of olive and dark berries. An instant success, only 509 cases were created.-AM”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 96 points “Bright red-ruby. Urgent, very pure aromas of pungent dark cherry, black olive and chicory lifted by a floral topnote. Wonderfully silky and velvety in the mouth, but also with terrific definition to its alluring flavors of framboise, dried herbs, briny olive and dried Indian spices. This round, utterly seamless, mouthfilling Syrah finishes with ripe, noble tannins, staining the palate with late notes of minerals, black olive and blood sausage. It will need a while to absorb some of its baby fat and may well go through a closed stage in bottle at some point. (15% new oak; from Coccinelle Vineyard; this wine gets one of the two new foudres Christophe Baron purchases every year, with the other one used for the Impulsivo)”
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ml $319 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points “Part of the magic that happens with the 2017 Syrah Bionic Frog is that it is opaque with neon purple edges without being inky and massive. With classic Syrah tones of smoked meat, leather, lavender, lilac and black pepper, the wine is rich with aromas of blackberry, black raspberry and smoked plum. Medium to full-bodied, the wine explodes with intention and precision on the palate, with an immaculate balance and crystal-clear focus. Brilliantly structured, the wine continues to evolve with subtle and seamlessly integrated spice tones compounded by a mineral tension and a floral lift to make this wine float across the mid-palate. The wine glides effortlessly to a long, winding finish with persistence and the elegance of silk. The vibrancy of flavor remains in the mouth long after the wine has left. For a wine this dark and this full-flavored, yet as graceful and agile on the palate as it is, you’ll be hard-pressed to put down the glass; I certainly can’t keep my hands off of it. This is stunningly beautiful, and with only 516 cases made, it should be sought after by top collectors from around the world.”
James Suckling 98 points “Fantastic decadence and richness to this, but not overdone, offering intense dried fruit, tar, roasted walnuts and smoked almonds. It’s full-bodied, but remains fresh. The aromas follow through to a flavorful. round and juicy palate. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2017 Syrah Bionic Frog is in the running for the wine of the vintage. An incredibly elegant expression of this cuvée, it reveals an almost opaque purple hue to go with stunning, Jamet Cote Rotie-like notes of black raspberries, spring flowers, bacon fat, green olives, and sweet mulch. More cured meats and salted pork notes develop with time in the glass, and it’s a wonderfully complex, layered, nuanced Syrah. Boasting medium to full-bodied richness on the palate, flawless balance, and a great, great finish, it’s the polish, elegance, and silky feel to the tannins that set this beauty above just about every other wine out there. It’s unquestionably gorgeous today (give it an hour or more in a decanter) yet has a solid 15-20 years of prime drinking ahead of it.”
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ml $319 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 98 points “Beginning with a brilliant and seductively aromatic nose, the 2018 Syrah Bionic Frog rockets out of the glass with a stunning array of juicy fruit tones, baked earth and a dusty, floral sensation with intoxicating elements of smoked beef and black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the Syrah summersaults across the palate with excitement and finesse, offering up spicy flavors of black raspberry compote, spiced chutney, hints of olive tapenade and a lively mineral tension. It offers pristine tannins and a succulent mouthfeel that lavishly lays on the mid-palate. Concluding with a long, winding and ever-evolving finish, the 2018 is flirting with triple digits. The wine rested for 19 months in a mix of French demi-muids and foudre, 20% new. Outstanding! Only 6,396 bottles were made.”
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $289 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “I always love this cuvée and the 2019 Syrah Bionic Frog stands out with its own singular character. Incredible crème de cassis and blueberry fruits, notes of iron, ground pepper, violets, and beef blood, full-bodied richness, perfect tannins, and that rare mix of richness and elegance all define this incredible Syrah. It shows the more elegant, cooler style of the vintage yet still brings incredible fruit and is just a magical expression of Syrah that could come from nowhere else. Hats off to Christophe Baron and his team for another flat-out awesome Syrah that I wish every reader could taste. It needs lots of air if drinking any time soon, and it deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and will have 25+ of prime drinking.”
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 98 points “Outstanding as always, the 2019 Syrah Bionic Frog offers a seductive and generous frame and stemmy notion from having 70% of the stems added back in. The wine is fresh, bright and juicy with flavors of black raspberry, blueberry, blackberry compote and savory essences of dried herbs and peppercorns. Medium to full-bodied, the wine coats the mouth with a round and luscious mouthfeel, displaying its impeccable balance and fine tannic structure. It’s yet another fantastic vintage for the Bionic Frog.”
Arriving This Friday from Cayuse:
Cayuse Vineyards Camaspelo, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $119 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $159 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2019 Grenache God Only Knows is another gorgeous example of this wine that has a style all its own. Revealing a translucent ruby hue as well as a kaleidoscope-like bouquet of ripe cherries, blackberries, forest floor, spring flowers, and charcoal, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a silky, seamless mouthfeel, perfect balance, and a great finish. This exotic, perfumed Grenache is a hypothetical mix of a Grand Cru from the Côte de Nuits and a 100% Grenache Châteauneuf from sandy soils. It should cruise in the cellar for 10-15 years.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Bursting with aromas of potpourri with a dusty, red-fruited essence of wild strawberries, savory herbs and red and black spice, the 2019 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard is an instant success. Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh with a fine mineral tension that gives way to a firm tannic edge before gliding to a seductive, red cherry skin essence over the lingering, spicy finish. Only 223 cases were produced. I’m always a sucker for this bottling.”
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $133 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $128 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $125 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $125 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
Horsepower Vineyards ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $179 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
Arriving Friday, November 18th from Christophe Baron:
True insiders know Monsieur Baron has a deep passion for Pinot Meunier Champagnes. Just recently, he began producing profoundly mineral and expressive wines Champagnes from his family’s vines.
Christophe Baron ‘Les Alouettes’ Brut Nature, Champagne 2017 1.5L $259 pre-arrival special, only 5 magnums available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Brut Nature Les Alouettes is excellent, bursting with aromas of golden orchard fruit, warm spices, honeycomb, plums and toasted bread. Full-bodied, fleshy and vinous, it’s rich and sapid, with a layered core of fruit, a pretty pinpoint mousse and a long, saline finish. Seamless and complete, this bottling is particularly strong this year.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Brut Nature Les Alouettes (Magnum) is the most potent and tightly wound of these three Champagnes from Christophe Baron. It offers up a beguiling mix of graphite, orange confit, dried flowers, earthiness, chamomile and spice, all in a dense, inward style that demands cellaring. The Alouttes shows the more earthy, savory side of Meunier. Disgorged: May, 2021.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The 2017 Champagne Les Alouettes is beautiful, and richer, mouth-filling style that should age gracefully. Giving up lots of toasty, nuttiness aromatics, it has a core of green apple fruit, plenty of mid-palate density, bright, almost racy acidity, and a great finish.”
Christophe Baron ‘Le Dessus du Bois Marie’ Brut Nature Millesime, Champagne 2017 1.5L $259 pre-arrival special, only 5 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Brut Nature Le Dessus Du Bois Marie (Magnum) is bright, focused and incredibly energetic. Soaring mineral and saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, citrus, white flowers, mint, crushed rocks and spice. The Dessus Du Bois is just fabulous. All it needs is time, but all the elements are there for it to be tremendous in a few years’ time. Actually, it already is. Floral and mineral notes reappear on the finish, adding notable lift. Yields were less affected here, which explains the wine’s freshness. Disgorged: May 2021.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “One of the lighter hued releases, the 2017 Champagne Le Dessus Du Bois Marie has a clean, vibrant bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, tangerine, toasted bread, and honeyed almonds. Absolutely gorgeous on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a layered, rich, yet seamless mousse, everything in the right places, and one heck of a great finish. Bravo.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2017 Brut Nature Le Dessus du Bois Marie has also turned out nicely, unwinding in the glass with scents of crisp orchard fruit, tangerine oil, honeycomb, yellow plums and freshly baked bread. Full-bodied, vinous and textural, it’s rich and incisive, with a tightly coiled core of concentrated fruit and a long, saline and delicately exotic finish.”
Christophe Baron ‘Les Hautes Blanches Vignes’ Brut Nature, Champagne 2017 1.5L $269 pre-arrival special, only 5 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Brut Nature Les Hautes Blanches Vignes (Magnum) is a rich, burnished wine. Deep in color and intensity from tiny yields, the Hautes Blanches is a rich Champagne endowed with notable textural breadth and energy. Orange peel, hazelnut, dried flowers, chamomile, tangerine oil and light oxidative notes build in this powerhouse Meunier. The red fruit character of Meunier is so expressive. This is an especially vinous style, even for Christophe Baron. The Hautes Blanches Vignes is just as much wine as it is Champagne. Disgorged: May 2021.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “The richest, most generous iteration of this bottling to date, Baron’s 2017 Brut Nature Les Hautes Blanches Vignes bursts with aromas of golden orchard fruit, honeycomb, fresh bread, walnuts and dried white flowers. Full-bodied, fleshy and vinous, it’s a touch more oxidative in profile than its more tightly wound predecessors, delivering a generous core of fruit, complemented by a pinpoint mousse, and concluding with a sapid finish. These characteristics make it the most immediately delicious rendition of Les Hautes Blanches Vignes to date, but they’re also likely to render it one of the less long-lived iterations of this cuvée.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Champagne Les Hautes Blanches Vignes is always one of the deeper hued releases and has a hint of amber in its medium gold color. Toasted bread, brioche, honeysuckle, orange zest, and almond notes define the bouquet, and it’s beautiful on the palate, with a layered, elegant, yet rich style that carries bright acidity and a creamy, supple mousse that makes it a joy to drink. As with all these releases, the finish is clean and dry, and this is a seriously good Champagne that should evolve for a decade.”
Cayuse Wines & Christophe Baron Champagne
Newly Arrived / Arriving Tomorrow!
Cayuse Wines & Christophe Baron Champagne
Newly Arrived / Arriving Tomorrow!
We adore the wines from Christophe Baron. His cuvees have been some of the most allocated and in-demand wines from Walla Walla for over twenty years. Representing the pinnacle of the region’s reds, we’re never surprised when top notch scores are released, just pleased as punch that we continue to be able to offer you these mailing list-mostly gems:
New Arrivals from Cayuse:
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ml $399 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 97-99 points “I think the best of the Syrahs is the 2013 Syrah Bionic Frog, and while I’ve liked other single vineyards more than this cuvee in the past, it seems a solid step up in both 2012 and 2013. The 2013 offers incredible notes of roasted herbs, beef blood, mushrooms, scorched earth and sweet black fruits in a full-bodied, gorgeously concentrated, structured, serious style. Short-term cellaring should be the name of the game here, and while it should offer plenty of pleasure around age 5-6, I’d put money on it still singing at age 20.”
New Arrivals from Cayuse:
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ml $399 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 97-99 points “I think the best of the Syrahs is the 2013 Syrah Bionic Frog, and while I’ve liked other single vineyards more than this cuvee in the past, it seems a solid step up in both 2012 and 2013. The 2013 offers incredible notes of roasted herbs, beef blood, mushrooms, scorched earth and sweet black fruits in a full-bodied, gorgeously concentrated, structured, serious style. Short-term cellaring should be the name of the game here, and while it should offer plenty of pleasure around age 5-6, I’d put money on it still singing at age 20.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $451
The average price is $451
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ml $299 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Pure perfection in a glass, the 2016 Syrah Bionic Frog is another magical wine from this estate and is as good as it gets. Crème de cassis, rose petals, menthol, ash, and smoky, meaty, soy sauce notes all emerge from this singular wine. Full-bodied, expansive, and powerful yet weightless on the palate, it has ultra-fine tannins, a brilliant finish, and a singular, magical character. It matches the otherworldly 2014 and 2010 and is one of the wines of the vintage.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2016 Syrah Bionic Frog needs no introduction, as its reputation proceeds it. Aromas of black fruit, olive and savory herbs with hints of mustard seed waft from the nose. The palate shows soft flavors of smoke and ash over a firm core of minerality that is very pleasurable, continuing on to the long-lingering finish and aftertaste of olive and dark berries. An instant success, only 509 cases were created.-AM”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 96 points “Bright red-ruby. Urgent, very pure aromas of pungent dark cherry, black olive and chicory lifted by a floral topnote. Wonderfully silky and velvety in the mouth, but also with terrific definition to its alluring flavors of framboise, dried herbs, briny olive and dried Indian spices. This round, utterly seamless, mouthfilling Syrah finishes with ripe, noble tannins, staining the palate with late notes of minerals, black olive and blood sausage. It will need a while to absorb some of its baby fat and may well go through a closed stage in bottle at some point. (15% new oak; from Coccinelle Vineyard; this wine gets one of the two new foudres Christophe Baron purchases every year, with the other one used for the Impulsivo)”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $339
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ml $319 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points “Part of the magic that happens with the 2017 Syrah Bionic Frog is that it is opaque with neon purple edges without being inky and massive. With classic Syrah tones of smoked meat, leather, lavender, lilac and black pepper, the wine is rich with aromas of blackberry, black raspberry and smoked plum. Medium to full-bodied, the wine explodes with intention and precision on the palate, with an immaculate balance and crystal-clear focus. Brilliantly structured, the wine continues to evolve with subtle and seamlessly integrated spice tones compounded by a mineral tension and a floral lift to make this wine float across the mid-palate. The wine glides effortlessly to a long, winding finish with persistence and the elegance of silk. The vibrancy of flavor remains in the mouth long after the wine has left. For a wine this dark and this full-flavored, yet as graceful and agile on the palate as it is, you’ll be hard-pressed to put down the glass; I certainly can’t keep my hands off of it. This is stunningly beautiful, and with only 516 cases made, it should be sought after by top collectors from around the world.”
James Suckling 98 points “Fantastic decadence and richness to this, but not overdone, offering intense dried fruit, tar, roasted walnuts and smoked almonds. It’s full-bodied, but remains fresh. The aromas follow through to a flavorful. round and juicy palate. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2017 Syrah Bionic Frog is in the running for the wine of the vintage. An incredibly elegant expression of this cuvée, it reveals an almost opaque purple hue to go with stunning, Jamet Cote Rotie-like notes of black raspberries, spring flowers, bacon fat, green olives, and sweet mulch. More cured meats and salted pork notes develop with time in the glass, and it’s a wonderfully complex, layered, nuanced Syrah. Boasting medium to full-bodied richness on the palate, flawless balance, and a great, great finish, it’s the polish, elegance, and silky feel to the tannins that set this beauty above just about every other wine out there. It’s unquestionably gorgeous today (give it an hour or more in a decanter) yet has a solid 15-20 years of prime drinking ahead of it.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $338
The next best price is $338
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ml $319 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 98 points “Beginning with a brilliant and seductively aromatic nose, the 2018 Syrah Bionic Frog rockets out of the glass with a stunning array of juicy fruit tones, baked earth and a dusty, floral sensation with intoxicating elements of smoked beef and black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the Syrah summersaults across the palate with excitement and finesse, offering up spicy flavors of black raspberry compote, spiced chutney, hints of olive tapenade and a lively mineral tension. It offers pristine tannins and a succulent mouthfeel that lavishly lays on the mid-palate. Concluding with a long, winding and ever-evolving finish, the 2018 is flirting with triple digits. The wine rested for 19 months in a mix of French demi-muids and foudre, 20% new. Outstanding! Only 6,396 bottles were made.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $349.97
The next best price is $349.97
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $289 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “I always love this cuvée and the 2019 Syrah Bionic Frog stands out with its own singular character. Incredible crème de cassis and blueberry fruits, notes of iron, ground pepper, violets, and beef blood, full-bodied richness, perfect tannins, and that rare mix of richness and elegance all define this incredible Syrah. It shows the more elegant, cooler style of the vintage yet still brings incredible fruit and is just a magical expression of Syrah that could come from nowhere else. Hats off to Christophe Baron and his team for another flat-out awesome Syrah that I wish every reader could taste. It needs lots of air if drinking any time soon, and it deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and will have 25+ of prime drinking.”
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 98 points “Outstanding as always, the 2019 Syrah Bionic Frog offers a seductive and generous frame and stemmy notion from having 70% of the stems added back in. The wine is fresh, bright and juicy with flavors of black raspberry, blueberry, blackberry compote and savory essences of dried herbs and peppercorns. Medium to full-bodied, the wine coats the mouth with a round and luscious mouthfeel, displaying its impeccable balance and fine tannic structure. It’s yet another fantastic vintage for the Bionic Frog.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $326
The average price is $326
Arriving This Friday from Cayuse:
Cayuse Vineyards Camaspelo, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $119 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $159 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2019 Grenache God Only Knows is another gorgeous example of this wine that has a style all its own. Revealing a translucent ruby hue as well as a kaleidoscope-like bouquet of ripe cherries, blackberries, forest floor, spring flowers, and charcoal, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a silky, seamless mouthfeel, perfect balance, and a great finish. This exotic, perfumed Grenache is a hypothetical mix of a Grand Cru from the Côte de Nuits and a 100% Grenache Châteauneuf from sandy soils. It should cruise in the cellar for 10-15 years.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Bursting with aromas of potpourri with a dusty, red-fruited essence of wild strawberries, savory herbs and red and black spice, the 2019 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard is an instant success. Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh with a fine mineral tension that gives way to a firm tannic edge before gliding to a seductive, red cherry skin essence over the lingering, spicy finish. Only 223 cases were produced. I’m always a sucker for this bottling.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $133 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $128 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $125 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $125 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Horsepower Vineyards ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $179 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
Arriving Friday, November 18th from Christophe Baron:
True insiders know Monsieur Baron has a deep passion for Pinot Meunier Champagnes. Just recently, he began producing profoundly mineral and expressive wines Champagnes from his family’s vines.
Christophe Baron ‘Les Alouettes’ Brut Nature, Champagne 2017 1.5L $259 pre-arrival special, only 5 magnums available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Brut Nature Les Alouettes is excellent, bursting with aromas of golden orchard fruit, warm spices, honeycomb, plums and toasted bread. Full-bodied, fleshy and vinous, it’s rich and sapid, with a layered core of fruit, a pretty pinpoint mousse and a long, saline finish. Seamless and complete, this bottling is particularly strong this year.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Brut Nature Les Alouettes (Magnum) is the most potent and tightly wound of these three Champagnes from Christophe Baron. It offers up a beguiling mix of graphite, orange confit, dried flowers, earthiness, chamomile and spice, all in a dense, inward style that demands cellaring. The Alouttes shows the more earthy, savory side of Meunier. Disgorged: May, 2021.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The 2017 Champagne Les Alouettes is beautiful, and richer, mouth-filling style that should age gracefully. Giving up lots of toasty, nuttiness aromatics, it has a core of green apple fruit, plenty of mid-palate density, bright, almost racy acidity, and a great finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Christophe Baron ‘Le Dessus du Bois Marie’ Brut Nature Millesime, Champagne 2017 1.5L $259 pre-arrival special, only 5 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Brut Nature Le Dessus Du Bois Marie (Magnum) is bright, focused and incredibly energetic. Soaring mineral and saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, citrus, white flowers, mint, crushed rocks and spice. The Dessus Du Bois is just fabulous. All it needs is time, but all the elements are there for it to be tremendous in a few years’ time. Actually, it already is. Floral and mineral notes reappear on the finish, adding notable lift. Yields were less affected here, which explains the wine’s freshness. Disgorged: May 2021.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “One of the lighter hued releases, the 2017 Champagne Le Dessus Du Bois Marie has a clean, vibrant bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, tangerine, toasted bread, and honeyed almonds. Absolutely gorgeous on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a layered, rich, yet seamless mousse, everything in the right places, and one heck of a great finish. Bravo.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2017 Brut Nature Le Dessus du Bois Marie has also turned out nicely, unwinding in the glass with scents of crisp orchard fruit, tangerine oil, honeycomb, yellow plums and freshly baked bread. Full-bodied, vinous and textural, it’s rich and incisive, with a tightly coiled core of concentrated fruit and a long, saline and delicately exotic finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Christophe Baron ‘Les Hautes Blanches Vignes’ Brut Nature, Champagne 2017 1.5L $269 pre-arrival special, only 5 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Brut Nature Les Hautes Blanches Vignes (Magnum) is a rich, burnished wine. Deep in color and intensity from tiny yields, the Hautes Blanches is a rich Champagne endowed with notable textural breadth and energy. Orange peel, hazelnut, dried flowers, chamomile, tangerine oil and light oxidative notes build in this powerhouse Meunier. The red fruit character of Meunier is so expressive. This is an especially vinous style, even for Christophe Baron. The Hautes Blanches Vignes is just as much wine as it is Champagne. Disgorged: May 2021.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “The richest, most generous iteration of this bottling to date, Baron’s 2017 Brut Nature Les Hautes Blanches Vignes bursts with aromas of golden orchard fruit, honeycomb, fresh bread, walnuts and dried white flowers. Full-bodied, fleshy and vinous, it’s a touch more oxidative in profile than its more tightly wound predecessors, delivering a generous core of fruit, complemented by a pinpoint mousse, and concluding with a sapid finish. These characteristics make it the most immediately delicious rendition of Les Hautes Blanches Vignes to date, but they’re also likely to render it one of the less long-lived iterations of this cuvée.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Champagne Les Hautes Blanches Vignes is always one of the deeper hued releases and has a hint of amber in its medium gold color. Toasted bread, brioche, honeysuckle, orange zest, and almond notes define the bouquet, and it’s beautiful on the palate, with a layered, elegant, yet rich style that carries bright acidity and a creamy, supple mousse that makes it a joy to drink. As with all these releases, the finish is clean and dry, and this is a seriously good Champagne that should evolve for a decade.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
In Stock Now from Cayuse:
Cayuse Vineyards Camaspelo, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $128 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “A dynamic red, with vibrant red and black currant flavors that interplay with zesty pepper, savory herb and stony mineral accents, building toward refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo. Drink now through 2031. —T.F.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2019 Camaspelo is mostly Cabernet with some Merlot splashed in. The nose begins with a generous and dark fruited frame that is open and expressive with notes of spiced black plum and a soft earthy sensation. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is savory with an umami profile that leads to a soft essence of worn leather and river rock. The wine is generously layered and offers fine-grained tannins that drive the delightfully complex and lingering finish. Only 396 cases were made.”
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ml $179 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Gorgeous rose petals, wildflowers, cured meats, wild strawberries, and framboise-like notes emerge from the 2018 Grenache God Only Knows, another ethereal, sensationally complex, nuanced, medium-bodied Grenache that’s as unique and singular as they come. Blossoming with time in the glass, it has ripe, present tannins, a layered, building mouthfeel, and a gorgeous, smoky, meaty finish. It needs 3-5 years in the cellar (it’s far from unapproachable today) to integrate its tannins and structure and will deliver the goods over the following 10-15 years.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 96 points “Erupting from the glass with spiced cherry and smoked plum tones, the 2018 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard offers up notions of dusty roses, red peppercorn and dried potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is balanced with energetic acidity, a spicy, red-fruited expression and fine-grained, succulent tannins. The wine concludes with a dusty essence and a lingering flavor of red pepper skin. The wine rested for 22 months in neutral French demi-muids and foudre. It’s stunningly good, and I have no choice but to finish the glass. Just over 6,200 bottles produced.”
Grapelive 96 points “The amazing 2018 God Only Knows Grenache from Cayuse’s legendary winemaker Christophe Baron, whose roots are from the Champagne region in France, is an absolute rock star wine and one of the most unique Grenache based wines in the world…”
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ml $149 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “While I don’t think the 2017 Impulsivo matches the 2016, it’s certainly not far off. Showing the more elegant style of the vintage, it offers a gorgeous perfume of smoked black cherries, redcurrants, green tobacco, bloody meat, sandalwood, and Asian spices that opens up with time in the glass. Ethereal, medium to full-bodied, and seamless on the palate, it has flawless balance, polished tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It’s just beautifully put together and one of the more approachable vintages of this cuvée. It can be drunk with incredible pleasure today (give it an hour decant) or cellared for 15+ years or more.”
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2017 Impulsivo begins with an expressive and aromatic nose with roasted blackberries, oak spice tones and charred cherry skin with elements of dusty purple flowers and baked earth. Full-bodied, the wine is expressive and deliciously balanced across the mid-palate before showing exotic spice elements, dried tobacco and cedar plank across the long-lingering finish. For Tempranillo lovers out there, this is a simply delicious wine that represents a New World-style expression of Tempranillo and a clear winner. Check it out. Only 262 cases were produced.”
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ml $129 special, 12+ bottles in stock now
Case-3 Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ml $375 special (that’s only $125/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Showing beautifully, with pure cassis and black raspberry fruits as well as loads of dried flowers, cedar, tobacco, and dried herbs, the 2018 Impulsivo is medium to full-bodied and has a seamless, elegant texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It shows more meaty, almost bloody nuances with time in the glass, and it’s certainly a singular expression of Tempranillo. The tannins are present yet polished and ripe, and it has a great mid-palate as well as the balance and elegance to drink nicely today yet also improve with short-term cellaring and keep for two decades.”
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $149 special, 12+ bottles in stock now
Case-3 Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $419 special (that’s only $139.67/bottle!)
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 96 points “Rocketing out of the glass with a generous, robust and concentrated inky core, the 2019 Impulsivo is juicy and broad-shouldered as it displays exotic spices with notions of plum jus. Full-bodied and fresh, this gorgeous Tempranillo somersaults across the mid-palate, offering a balanced structure with fine-grained tannins and succulent acidity before concluding with a generous and long-lingering finish. Give it one more year in the bottle, and enjoy it over the next 15 years. Bravo! I’m not spitting this out.”
Grapelive 96 points “While renowned for his Syrah and Grenache based wines, Cayuse’s Christophe Baron also does some fantastic Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Sauvignons, and this awesome Tempranillo, called the Impulsivo, which is very much in the mold of a great Ribera del Douro, with incredible fruit density and thrilling palate impact. It’s a real head turner, something you’d not want to miss…”
Cayuse Vineyards Wallah Wallah Special #12 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 1.5L $289 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Christophe often releases a special blend in magnum (he never says which vineyards it’s from), and the 2018 Syrah Special #12 is another gorgeous wine. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue as well as classic Rocks notes of blue fruits, ground pepper, bacon fat, lavender, and violets, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will cruise for two decades.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “A dynamic red, detailed and well-focused, with vibrant black raspberry, crushed stone, bacon fat and green peppercorn flavors that march on the long finish to fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031. —T.F.”
Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker’ En Chamberlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $149 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 96 points “Generously layered in the glass with aromas of turned earth, blackberry jus and dusty purple flowers, the 2019 The Widowmaker en Chamberlin Vineyard is delightfully rustic yet also possesses a new-world shine. Medium to full-bodied, the 14.1% alcohol wine saddles the line between earthy and fruity flavors before showing a balanced structure with succulent acidity and fine-grained tannins. The wine concludes with a long-lingering and spicy finish that will remain food-friendly until its 20th birthday. Bravo!”
Wine Spectator 95 points “An impressive wine, finely structured and dynamic, with blackberry and red currant flavors accented by river stone, black olive and savory meat. Builds richness toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032. —T.F.”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ml $179 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “Showing with a deep ruby core that fades to a purple edge, the 2017 Syrah High Contrast Vineyard explodes from the glass with pronounced smoky aromas that waft with delicate notes of dark chocolate-covered blackberries, then show hints of roasted coffee bean, notions of petrichor, baked earth and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is elegantly powerful, showcasing a balanced chassis of youthful tannins that evolve with the complex nature of the wine. There is a velvety firmness to the mid-palate before moving onto an elongated finish that grows in complexity and amplitude as the expression resonates harmoniously, confirming yet another blockbuster Syrah from the ever-so-talented Christophe Baron. Only 386 cases made.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “[#69 Top 100 Cellar Selections 2020] The aromas explode from the glass, with notes of fire pit, potpourri, black olive, wet stone, dried porcini and stone. The palate is sumptuous, layered, elegant and intensely flavorful, showing abundant savory notes. A lingering black olive and earthy finish caps it off. Best after 2025.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “The 2017 Syrah High Contrast Vineyard is more wound up and tight, with backward notes of chocolaty black fruits, toasted spice, mulled plums, cured ham, and sweet mulch all developing with time in the glass. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with plenty of tannins, this is one 2017 that’s going to reward bottle age. Do your best to hide bottles for 4-5 years if possible, and it should see its 20th birthday in fine form. This is certainly for those who like a big dose of funk in their Syrah!”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ml $169 special, 12+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Syrah The Tribe is largely in the same mold with a gamy, meaty, backward profile. Smoked meats, earthy dark fruits, ground pepper, and wood smoke are all present in this medium to full-bodied, concentrated Syrah that’s going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20 years.”
Nick Stock-James Suckling 96 points “This has such impressive, silky black fruit with interwoven spices and subtle, meaty nuances. The intensity of fruit is dialed-up in this wine. There’s a very pure, bright fruit core here that pushes out of the mid-palate with a lot of energy and stony, graphite-like notes. This has a wealth of dark berries on offer. Such length and balance. Planted at 8,500 vines per hectare. Drink or hold. Best from 2022.”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ml $169 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Beautiful notes of red and black raspberries, tobacco, plum sauce, loamy earth, and loads of floral notes emerge from the 2017 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard, another tight, closed wine that’s going to benefit from bottle age. Medium to full-bodied, with notable freshness as well as plenty of underlying structure, it reminds me of Cote Rotie from the Cote Blonde lieu-dit with its incredible floral character as well as its seamless texture. Beautifully done and one of the standouts in the lineup in 2017, give bottles a healthy decant if drinking any time soon, and my money is on it benefiting from 2-3 years of bottle age and evolving for 15-20 years or more.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2017 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard begins with a firm, tight nose of rustic dark red fruit and soft aromas of worn leather, black spice and dust-covered violets. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is still tight in its youth, but it remains approachable and food-friendly now. The wine has a bolder mouthfeel than the rest of the range and is balanced with firm tannins that will ensure it will last for years to come. It concludes with a long, drawn-out finish with an essence of dark red fruit and a soft, lingering spiciness. 549 cases produced.”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $179 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2019 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard starts with a stemmy, fresh and savory nose with a delightful meaty aroma and dusty florals before wafting with a succulent raspberry skin essence. Medium to full-bodied, the Syrah displays a vibrant mineral tension and spicy mouthfeel before subtle flavors of dried herbs sway with a firm tannic structure. The wine continues to evolve and unpack over the long, lingering finish with a pleasing smoky nuance and persistent peppery note. Give it a few more years in the bottle before opening. Bravo!”
Horsepower Vineyards Fiddleneck Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $199 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 98 points “Planted initially on the pristine soil from a fallow apple orchard that was pulled out in 1993, the stunningly beautiful 2019 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard displays a dark ruby core and offers a nose that is both floral and seductive. Aromas of dusty flowers, wild raspberries and savory herbs meld with notions of turned earth and redcurrants. Medium-bodied, the wine is focused, layered and fresh with a brilliantly complex mouthfeel before showcasing precision and finesse with flavors of cherry blossom, strawberry skin and fruit leather with an umami essence. The wine offers a floral focus and sways with the freshness of the New World before compacting slightly, revealing a spicy finish that unwinds and unfurls for moments after the wine has left the palate. It’s a fantastic wine that saw no new oak.”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $189 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 96 points “Planted as a high-density vineyard with a three-foot by three-foot spacing, the 2019 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard is red-fruited, savory, dusty and floral with an expressive, bright sanguine note and showcases hints of white peppercorn and iodine on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers flavors of dusty cherry skin with wild raspberries before notions of umami and worn leather sway with delightful hints of smoked herbs and dried earth. The impressive wine glides to a fantastically
Christophe Baron ‘Les Alouettes’ Brut Nature, Champagne 2016 1.5L $259 special, 5 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2016 Brut Nature Les Alouettes (Magnum) is ample and broad, with a real sense of volume that grows over time. Layered and beautifully resonant, the Alouttes is also the most sensual and immediate of these wines. Even with all of its intensity, the Alouttes is translucent and so expressive, even in the early going. Spice, dried pear, flowers and nutty accents linger. Disgorged: March, 2020.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The most reserved wine in the range is the 2016 Brut Nature Les Alouettes, from a southeast-facing site in Charly-sur-Marne. Unwinding in the glass with scents of citrus zest, apricot, orange oil and pear, framed by hints of wet stones and struck match, it’s medium to full-bodied, tightly wound and chalky, with racy acids and an elegant pinpoint mousse. Interestingly, a magnum tasted in November 2020 was rather more open and expressive than this one, tasted in early 2021.”
Christophe Baron ‘Le Dessus du Bois Marie’ Brut Nature Millesime, Champagne 2016 1.5L $279 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2016 Brut Nature Le Dessus Du Bois Marie (Magnum) is a wine of cut and precision. Lemon confit, spice, baked apple tart and pear notes abound. Here the expression is all about energy, tension and delineation. Tangerine oil, spice, crushed rocks and white flowers add the closing shades of complexity. Disgorged: March, 2020.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “Disgorged in March 2020 without dosage, Baron’s 2016 Brut Nature Le Dessus du Bois Marie is showing nicely, wafting from the glass with delicately exotic aromas of mandarin orange, pear, musky peach, clear honey and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and vinous, it’s fleshy and saline, with an enveloping core of fruit, lively acids and a long, mouthwatering finish.”
Cayuse Vineyards Camaspelo, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $128 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “A dynamic red, with vibrant red and black currant flavors that interplay with zesty pepper, savory herb and stony mineral accents, building toward refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo. Drink now through 2031. —T.F.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2019 Camaspelo is mostly Cabernet with some Merlot splashed in. The nose begins with a generous and dark fruited frame that is open and expressive with notes of spiced black plum and a soft earthy sensation. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is savory with an umami profile that leads to a soft essence of worn leather and river rock. The wine is generously layered and offers fine-grained tannins that drive the delightfully complex and lingering finish. Only 396 cases were made.”
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ml $179 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Gorgeous rose petals, wildflowers, cured meats, wild strawberries, and framboise-like notes emerge from the 2018 Grenache God Only Knows, another ethereal, sensationally complex, nuanced, medium-bodied Grenache that’s as unique and singular as they come. Blossoming with time in the glass, it has ripe, present tannins, a layered, building mouthfeel, and a gorgeous, smoky, meaty finish. It needs 3-5 years in the cellar (it’s far from unapproachable today) to integrate its tannins and structure and will deliver the goods over the following 10-15 years.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 96 points “Erupting from the glass with spiced cherry and smoked plum tones, the 2018 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard offers up notions of dusty roses, red peppercorn and dried potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is balanced with energetic acidity, a spicy, red-fruited expression and fine-grained, succulent tannins. The wine concludes with a dusty essence and a lingering flavor of red pepper skin. The wine rested for 22 months in neutral French demi-muids and foudre. It’s stunningly good, and I have no choice but to finish the glass. Just over 6,200 bottles produced.”
Grapelive 96 points “The amazing 2018 God Only Knows Grenache from Cayuse’s legendary winemaker Christophe Baron, whose roots are from the Champagne region in France, is an absolute rock star wine and one of the most unique Grenache based wines in the world…”
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ml $149 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “While I don’t think the 2017 Impulsivo matches the 2016, it’s certainly not far off. Showing the more elegant style of the vintage, it offers a gorgeous perfume of smoked black cherries, redcurrants, green tobacco, bloody meat, sandalwood, and Asian spices that opens up with time in the glass. Ethereal, medium to full-bodied, and seamless on the palate, it has flawless balance, polished tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It’s just beautifully put together and one of the more approachable vintages of this cuvée. It can be drunk with incredible pleasure today (give it an hour decant) or cellared for 15+ years or more.”
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2017 Impulsivo begins with an expressive and aromatic nose with roasted blackberries, oak spice tones and charred cherry skin with elements of dusty purple flowers and baked earth. Full-bodied, the wine is expressive and deliciously balanced across the mid-palate before showing exotic spice elements, dried tobacco and cedar plank across the long-lingering finish. For Tempranillo lovers out there, this is a simply delicious wine that represents a New World-style expression of Tempranillo and a clear winner. Check it out. Only 262 cases were produced.”
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ml $129 special, 12+ bottles in stock now
Case-3 Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ml $375 special (that’s only $125/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Showing beautifully, with pure cassis and black raspberry fruits as well as loads of dried flowers, cedar, tobacco, and dried herbs, the 2018 Impulsivo is medium to full-bodied and has a seamless, elegant texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It shows more meaty, almost bloody nuances with time in the glass, and it’s certainly a singular expression of Tempranillo. The tannins are present yet polished and ripe, and it has a great mid-palate as well as the balance and elegance to drink nicely today yet also improve with short-term cellaring and keep for two decades.”
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $149 special, 12+ bottles in stock now
Case-3 Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $419 special (that’s only $139.67/bottle!)
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 96 points “Rocketing out of the glass with a generous, robust and concentrated inky core, the 2019 Impulsivo is juicy and broad-shouldered as it displays exotic spices with notions of plum jus. Full-bodied and fresh, this gorgeous Tempranillo somersaults across the mid-palate, offering a balanced structure with fine-grained tannins and succulent acidity before concluding with a generous and long-lingering finish. Give it one more year in the bottle, and enjoy it over the next 15 years. Bravo! I’m not spitting this out.”
Grapelive 96 points “While renowned for his Syrah and Grenache based wines, Cayuse’s Christophe Baron also does some fantastic Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Sauvignons, and this awesome Tempranillo, called the Impulsivo, which is very much in the mold of a great Ribera del Douro, with incredible fruit density and thrilling palate impact. It’s a real head turner, something you’d not want to miss…”
Cayuse Vineyards Wallah Wallah Special #12 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 1.5L $289 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Christophe often releases a special blend in magnum (he never says which vineyards it’s from), and the 2018 Syrah Special #12 is another gorgeous wine. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue as well as classic Rocks notes of blue fruits, ground pepper, bacon fat, lavender, and violets, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will cruise for two decades.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “A dynamic red, detailed and well-focused, with vibrant black raspberry, crushed stone, bacon fat and green peppercorn flavors that march on the long finish to fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031. —T.F.”
Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker’ En Chamberlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $149 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 96 points “Generously layered in the glass with aromas of turned earth, blackberry jus and dusty purple flowers, the 2019 The Widowmaker en Chamberlin Vineyard is delightfully rustic yet also possesses a new-world shine. Medium to full-bodied, the 14.1% alcohol wine saddles the line between earthy and fruity flavors before showing a balanced structure with succulent acidity and fine-grained tannins. The wine concludes with a long-lingering and spicy finish that will remain food-friendly until its 20th birthday. Bravo!”
Wine Spectator 95 points “An impressive wine, finely structured and dynamic, with blackberry and red currant flavors accented by river stone, black olive and savory meat. Builds richness toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032. —T.F.”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ml $179 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “Showing with a deep ruby core that fades to a purple edge, the 2017 Syrah High Contrast Vineyard explodes from the glass with pronounced smoky aromas that waft with delicate notes of dark chocolate-covered blackberries, then show hints of roasted coffee bean, notions of petrichor, baked earth and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is elegantly powerful, showcasing a balanced chassis of youthful tannins that evolve with the complex nature of the wine. There is a velvety firmness to the mid-palate before moving onto an elongated finish that grows in complexity and amplitude as the expression resonates harmoniously, confirming yet another blockbuster Syrah from the ever-so-talented Christophe Baron. Only 386 cases made.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “[#69 Top 100 Cellar Selections 2020] The aromas explode from the glass, with notes of fire pit, potpourri, black olive, wet stone, dried porcini and stone. The palate is sumptuous, layered, elegant and intensely flavorful, showing abundant savory notes. A lingering black olive and earthy finish caps it off. Best after 2025.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “The 2017 Syrah High Contrast Vineyard is more wound up and tight, with backward notes of chocolaty black fruits, toasted spice, mulled plums, cured ham, and sweet mulch all developing with time in the glass. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with plenty of tannins, this is one 2017 that’s going to reward bottle age. Do your best to hide bottles for 4-5 years if possible, and it should see its 20th birthday in fine form. This is certainly for those who like a big dose of funk in their Syrah!”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ml $169 special, 12+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Syrah The Tribe is largely in the same mold with a gamy, meaty, backward profile. Smoked meats, earthy dark fruits, ground pepper, and wood smoke are all present in this medium to full-bodied, concentrated Syrah that’s going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20 years.”
Nick Stock-James Suckling 96 points “This has such impressive, silky black fruit with interwoven spices and subtle, meaty nuances. The intensity of fruit is dialed-up in this wine. There’s a very pure, bright fruit core here that pushes out of the mid-palate with a lot of energy and stony, graphite-like notes. This has a wealth of dark berries on offer. Such length and balance. Planted at 8,500 vines per hectare. Drink or hold. Best from 2022.”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ml $169 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Beautiful notes of red and black raspberries, tobacco, plum sauce, loamy earth, and loads of floral notes emerge from the 2017 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard, another tight, closed wine that’s going to benefit from bottle age. Medium to full-bodied, with notable freshness as well as plenty of underlying structure, it reminds me of Cote Rotie from the Cote Blonde lieu-dit with its incredible floral character as well as its seamless texture. Beautifully done and one of the standouts in the lineup in 2017, give bottles a healthy decant if drinking any time soon, and my money is on it benefiting from 2-3 years of bottle age and evolving for 15-20 years or more.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2017 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard begins with a firm, tight nose of rustic dark red fruit and soft aromas of worn leather, black spice and dust-covered violets. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is still tight in its youth, but it remains approachable and food-friendly now. The wine has a bolder mouthfeel than the rest of the range and is balanced with firm tannins that will ensure it will last for years to come. It concludes with a long, drawn-out finish with an essence of dark red fruit and a soft, lingering spiciness. 549 cases produced.”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $179 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2019 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard starts with a stemmy, fresh and savory nose with a delightful meaty aroma and dusty florals before wafting with a succulent raspberry skin essence. Medium to full-bodied, the Syrah displays a vibrant mineral tension and spicy mouthfeel before subtle flavors of dried herbs sway with a firm tannic structure. The wine continues to evolve and unpack over the long, lingering finish with a pleasing smoky nuance and persistent peppery note. Give it a few more years in the bottle before opening. Bravo!”
Horsepower Vineyards Fiddleneck Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $199 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 98 points “Planted initially on the pristine soil from a fallow apple orchard that was pulled out in 1993, the stunningly beautiful 2019 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard displays a dark ruby core and offers a nose that is both floral and seductive. Aromas of dusty flowers, wild raspberries and savory herbs meld with notions of turned earth and redcurrants. Medium-bodied, the wine is focused, layered and fresh with a brilliantly complex mouthfeel before showcasing precision and finesse with flavors of cherry blossom, strawberry skin and fruit leather with an umami essence. The wine offers a floral focus and sways with the freshness of the New World before compacting slightly, revealing a spicy finish that unwinds and unfurls for moments after the wine has left the palate. It’s a fantastic wine that saw no new oak.”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $189 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 96 points “Planted as a high-density vineyard with a three-foot by three-foot spacing, the 2019 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard is red-fruited, savory, dusty and floral with an expressive, bright sanguine note and showcases hints of white peppercorn and iodine on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers flavors of dusty cherry skin with wild raspberries before notions of umami and worn leather sway with delightful hints of smoked herbs and dried earth. The impressive wine glides to a fantastically
Christophe Baron ‘Les Alouettes’ Brut Nature, Champagne 2016 1.5L $259 special, 5 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2016 Brut Nature Les Alouettes (Magnum) is ample and broad, with a real sense of volume that grows over time. Layered and beautifully resonant, the Alouttes is also the most sensual and immediate of these wines. Even with all of its intensity, the Alouttes is translucent and so expressive, even in the early going. Spice, dried pear, flowers and nutty accents linger. Disgorged: March, 2020.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The most reserved wine in the range is the 2016 Brut Nature Les Alouettes, from a southeast-facing site in Charly-sur-Marne. Unwinding in the glass with scents of citrus zest, apricot, orange oil and pear, framed by hints of wet stones and struck match, it’s medium to full-bodied, tightly wound and chalky, with racy acids and an elegant pinpoint mousse. Interestingly, a magnum tasted in November 2020 was rather more open and expressive than this one, tasted in early 2021.”
Christophe Baron ‘Le Dessus du Bois Marie’ Brut Nature Millesime, Champagne 2016 1.5L $279 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2016 Brut Nature Le Dessus Du Bois Marie (Magnum) is a wine of cut and precision. Lemon confit, spice, baked apple tart and pear notes abound. Here the expression is all about energy, tension and delineation. Tangerine oil, spice, crushed rocks and white flowers add the closing shades of complexity. Disgorged: March, 2020.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “Disgorged in March 2020 without dosage, Baron’s 2016 Brut Nature Le Dessus du Bois Marie is showing nicely, wafting from the glass with delicately exotic aromas of mandarin orange, pear, musky peach, clear honey and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and vinous, it’s fleshy and saline, with an enveloping core of fruit, lively acids and a long, mouthwatering finish.”
Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!
Be well & drink well.