In This Newsletter:
We <3 Cayuse Sale
Close-Out Featurette: Schatzel
We <3 Cayuse Sale
Close-Out Featurette: Schatzel
Cayuse / Horsepower / Hors Categorie / No Girls / Champagne Christophe Baron
“Baron’s wines are among the best of the best.” -Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
Stock Up & Save On
The Wines of Christophe Baron
“Baron’s wines are among the best of the best.” -Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
Stock Up & Save On
The Wines of Christophe Baron
We’ve long adored the wines from Christophe Baron. This Champenois-turned-Oregonian more or less put The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater on the map. His Walla Walla portfolio includes Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet, and red blends sourced from Oregon and Washington. Representing the pinnacle of the region’s reds, we’re never surprised when top notch scores are released. No, we’re just pleased as punch that we can continue to offer you these mailing list-mostly gems.
Not satisfied with crafting some of the most famous and sought-after wines in Walla Walla for roughly twenty years, Christophe returned to the Marne Valley of Champagne to craft exquisitely mineral Champagnes from his family’s vines. We at the shop weren’t terribly surprised by this new project given penchant for Pinot Meunier-based Champagnes from other growers in the region. Nor were we surprised at the obscene quality when he excitedly shared a magnum of the inaugural release with us.
The soils in the Marne Valley where Christophe’s grapes grow are particularly suited for Pinot Meunier being comprised of calcareous clay over pure chalk. Meunier is famed for contributing earthy spice flavors to champagne blends and is gaining prominence as a single varietal, particularly amongst grower producers.
Longtime fans and soon-to-be-devotees would do well to shop now while our three-day sale is on.
Not satisfied with crafting some of the most famous and sought-after wines in Walla Walla for roughly twenty years, Christophe returned to the Marne Valley of Champagne to craft exquisitely mineral Champagnes from his family’s vines. We at the shop weren’t terribly surprised by this new project given penchant for Pinot Meunier-based Champagnes from other growers in the region. Nor were we surprised at the obscene quality when he excitedly shared a magnum of the inaugural release with us.
The soils in the Marne Valley where Christophe’s grapes grow are particularly suited for Pinot Meunier being comprised of calcareous clay over pure chalk. Meunier is famed for contributing earthy spice flavors to champagne blends and is gaining prominence as a single varietal, particularly amongst grower producers.
Longtime fans and soon-to-be-devotees would do well to shop now while our three-day sale is on.
Cayuse / Horsepower / Hors Categorie / No Girls / Champagne Christophe Baron
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Thursday, February 13th at 9 am Pacific.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Thursday, February 13th at 9 am Pacific.
We offer twenty-five in-stock Cayuse / Horsepower / Hors Categorie / No Girls / Champagne Christophe Baron options on sale now, including:
Christophe Baron ‘Le Dessus du Bois Marie’ Brut Nature Millesime, Champagne 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $269, that’s $255.55 at 5% off and $242.10 at 10% off, 4 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This has a beautiful bouquet of pink grapefruit, almond croissants, frangipani flowers, nectarines and cherry stones. So fresh, silky and elegant on the palate, with a lovely interplay of just-ripe fruit, flowers and delicate pastry. It’s bone-dry, but very far from austere. 100% pinot meunier, from a vineyard planted in 1966. From organically grown grapes. In magnums only. Zero dosage. Disgorged May 2023. Drink or hold.”
Christophe Baron ‘Les Hautes Blanches Vignes’ Brut Nature, Champagne 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $269, that’s $255.55 at 5% off and $242.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Very creamy and focused Champagne with notes of cherry blossoms, jasmine, pink grapefruit, white peaches, fennel and brioche. It’s medium-bodied with a very fine and delicate mousse that dances across the palate. Bone dry with beautiful balance and length. 100% pinot meunier from a vineyard planted in 1969. From organically grown grapes. In magnums only. Zero dosage. Disgorged May 2023. Drink or hold.”
Cayuse Vineyards Armada Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2014 750ml Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96-98 points “Another sensational barrel sample is the 2014 Syrah Armada Vineyard, which comes from a high density planting just beside the estate. Rich, concentrated and structured, it has lots of flint, ash and gunpowder characteristics as well as notes of dried herbs, currants, graphite and salted beef. Despite the concentration level, it stays beautifully fresh and focused. Give bottles 3-4 years of cellaring and enjoy through 2034.”
Cayuse Vineyards Armada Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $159, that’s $151.05 at 5% off and $143.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “One of the bigger, richer wines in the lineup, the 2021 Syrah Armada Vineyard comes from a high-density vineyard located just beside the cellar and was brought up all in demi-muids. This deeper ruby/plum-hued Syrah boasts a big, masculine bouquet of smoked red and black fruits, sauteed mushrooms, cured meats, iron, and cold fireplace nuances (it almost has a Graves-like character) that flows to a medium to full-bodied, rich, concentrated Syrah with terrific overall balance, ripe tannins, and a great finish. As with the other 2021s here, it needs lots of air to show at its best and will ideally be given 4-5 years in the cellar. It’s going to hit its 20th birthday in fine form.”
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2010 750ml Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The almost all Grenache 2010 God Only Knows (named as such because the full blend is unknown, or so we’re told) is a complex, elegant version of this wine, with a Rayas-like perfume of kirsch, white pepper, stem, herbes de Provence and a gamey meatiness that comes out with air. Medium to full-bodied, silky and seamless on the palate, with juicy acidity, polished tannin and a light, clean texture, it lacks the back-end concentration of a top vintage, yet possesses brilliant purity and balance. It will benefit from short-term cellaring and impress for upwards of a decade.”
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “Rocking raspberries, strawberries, rose petals, ground pepper, sappy garrigue, and a hint of iron all emerge from the 2021 Grenache God Only Knows, another pretty, medium-bodied, elegant, finesse-driven Grenache from this team that’s just about overflowing with character. With ripe, polished tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish, it has the class to evolve gracefully for 10-12 years.”
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2022. 2021 provided for reference.
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2021 Syrah Bionic Frog has a medium magenta core and offers a fresh, floral and spicy bouquet accompanied by elegant, savory notes. Ripe notions of plum skin and dark cherries burst from the nose, overflowing with aromatic profile. Medium to full-bodied, the palate presents an elegant and refined mouthfeel with food-friendly tannins and nuances of umami, culminating in a long, complex finish that highlights the distinctiveness and embodies the “wow factor” of the Walla Walla Valley. The Syrah rested for 18 months in approximately 20% new and neutral French oak demi-muids, foudre and barrels. A total of 6,288 bottles were produced.”
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $135, that’s $128.25 at 5% off and $121.50 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2022. 2021 provided for reference.
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “One of the more black and blue-fruited Syrahs in the lineup in 2021, the 2021 Syrah En Chamberlin Vineyard is deep ruby/plum-hued and offers a beautiful perfume of ground pepper, liquid violets, crushed stone, and bouquet garni. It’s rich, medium to full-bodied, has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, and ripe, polished tannins. It has a little bit of Cayuse funk, but this is a pure, focused, impressive Syrah that will benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar.”
Cayuse Vineyards Flying Pig, Walla Walla Valley 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2022. 2021 provided for reference.
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “A Cabernet Franc-dominated blend that includes 31% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Flying Pig is medium ruby/purple-hued, with Bordeaux-like notes of black cherries, new leather, smoked herbs, lead pencil, and just a kiss of that Rocks umami character in the background. Medium to full-bodied, pure, balanced, and elegant on the palate, it has silky tannins and no hard edges. It too has an up-front, approachable style.”
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2022. 2021 provided for reference.
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Another expressive red from this estate, the 2021 Impulsivo (100% Tempranillo) has a great nose of both red and black fruits as well as iron, sandalwood, and violets. A rich, medium to full-bodied, structured wine on the palate, it has building tannins, a nicely balanced, layered mouthfeel, and plenty of meaty, gamey, umami character on the finish. It will benefit from just a few years in the cellar and will evolve for at least two decades.”
Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker’ En Chamberlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $179, that’s $170.05 at 5% off and $161.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2017 The Widowmaker En Chamberlin is another Bordeaux look-alike (it reminds me of a wine from the Graves region) that has loads of blackcurrant and cassis as well as leafy tobacco, cedar pencil, chocolate, cold fireplace and Asian spices on both the nose and palate. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it has a wonderfully seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. This beautiful, elegant yet powerful Cabernet Sauvignon will drink well for 20-30 years or more.”
Horsepower Vineyards Sur Echalas Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $179, that’s $170.05 at 5% off and $161.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “What a wild syrah, with such intensity on the nose. Bacon fat, ashtray, black pepper, black olives, celeriac and cumin. So smoky and delicious, it packs a punch while remaining fresh and poised, with a medium to full body. Long and attention-grabbing. Almost 80% whole clusters. From biodynamically grown grapes. Fantastic to try now, but best from 2027.”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $169, that’s $160.55 at 5% off and $152.10 at 10% off, 13 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.”
Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $179, that’s $170.05 at 5% off and $161.10 at 10% off, 10 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!”
Hors Catégorie Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $379, that’s $360.05 at 5% off and $341.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
International Wine Review 100 points “Aged for 18 months in 100% neutral French oak, this Syrah is a masterclass of making Syrah in Washington state. The 2020 Hors Catégorie Syrah is otherworldly and is one of the few 100-point wines that I have scored. Layered complexity gives you hit after hit on the nose – starting with floral notes of lilac and orange blossom, then it gifts meaty notes of smoked brisket and bacon fat, then it presents blackberry and blue plum skin flavors, and finally, it finishes with deep umami, mushroom, iodine, and dusty earth aspects. It’s perfectly balanced on the tongue with absolutely no rough edges to speak of. I don’t think I’ve had a wine quite like it before, and it’s stunning in every way. Just 291 cases were crafted of this impeccable wine. *Highly recommended, Editor’s Choice*”
Wine Enthusiast 99 points “This Syrah flirts with perfection in rarefied air. Black-and-blueberry aromas waltz gracefully with notes of thyme, a fresh-mowed hay field and bacon just hitting the griddle. This is a perfectly balanced wine with medium weight, lemony acidity and flavors like ripe blackberries, aged balsamic and black tea. *Editors’ Choice*”
James Suckling 98 points “A complex nose with blackberries, spiced plum skins, roasted meat, baking spices and rocky soil. Full-bodied, big and broad-shouldered with firm tannins that are little chewy. Deep and structured. It’s long and steady with rocky minerality going on for minutes. 291 cases made. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better from 2025.”
Though the Rheinhessen fell out of favor post-WWII, Schätzel was one of the few families to hold to tradition. They kept the candle of quality burning, so to speak, until attitudes, climate, and renewed interest in Riesling returned. (Having been Rheinhessen Riesling wine makers for 650 years, the family understand patience.)
Kai Schätzel is the current family member to head the estate. Talented, ambitious, and a member of the VDP, Schätzel makes compelling wines from some of the finest vineyards in the Rheinhessen. As owner and winemaker, Kai Schätzel works in a reductive, mineral-driven style, taking cues from Burgundy.
These top-class wines are age-worthy and profound—well capable of holding their own with other top echelon producers in Germany. He’s a humble artist, though. Whenever he speaks about his wines, he emphasizes the microclimates, terroir, and sustainable growing techniques (all vineyards are certified organic). So, pop a bottle of ancient, steadfast history. We know you’ll want to listen in.
“Schätzel is one of the most exciting Riesling producers along the Rhine River and even if you don’t like his firmly structured and straightforward Rieslings and gorgeous Sylvaners when young, you will be impressed by their mouth-filling and structured character after a couple of years… Riesling lovers have to check out this domaine.” –Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
In Stock and On Close-Out Sale Now:
Weingut Schatzel Nierstein Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml Was $29, Now $24, 6 bottles in stock now
Steve Spurrier-Decanter 92 points “This Riesling, from red slate soil on ultra-steep, south-facing slopes, ferments and matures in a 670-year-old cellar to produce a floral, fresh and pure vineyard wine, with just 7.5% abv, the 42g/l sugar and 11.5g/l acidity in perfect balance. Quite lovely.”
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 92 points “So much freshness and energy with tons of elderflowers and white fruit. Super-crisp and very clean palate and a breathtaking finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
Weingut Schatzel Pettenthal Riesling Kabinett “S”, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml Was $79, Now $69, 7 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 95 points “Forget the rules, pack your bag, grab this bottle and leave your old life behind! Savage mineral beauty, combined with light body and enormous brightness. Drink or hold.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “The ‘S’ here references south-facing slopes in the Pettenthal (whereas previous Schätzel Pettenthal Kabinetts have come from a portion of Pettenthal – arguably predestined for Kabinett – that turns north up against the Brudersberg). Pungent kumquat and tangerine on the nose translate into downright sizzling zest and grip on this wine’s alcoholically ultra-light yet concentrated and almost lushly fruity palate. A vibrantly sustained finish carries Pettenthal-typical smokiness as well as saliva-inducing salinity. High residual sugar – as reflected in a mere 7.5% alcohol – manages to engender only an engaging and supportive sense of sweetness.”
Kai Schätzel is the current family member to head the estate. Talented, ambitious, and a member of the VDP, Schätzel makes compelling wines from some of the finest vineyards in the Rheinhessen. As owner and winemaker, Kai Schätzel works in a reductive, mineral-driven style, taking cues from Burgundy.
These top-class wines are age-worthy and profound—well capable of holding their own with other top echelon producers in Germany. He’s a humble artist, though. Whenever he speaks about his wines, he emphasizes the microclimates, terroir, and sustainable growing techniques (all vineyards are certified organic). So, pop a bottle of ancient, steadfast history. We know you’ll want to listen in.
“Schätzel is one of the most exciting Riesling producers along the Rhine River and even if you don’t like his firmly structured and straightforward Rieslings and gorgeous Sylvaners when young, you will be impressed by their mouth-filling and structured character after a couple of years… Riesling lovers have to check out this domaine.” –Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
In Stock and On Close-Out Sale Now:
Weingut Schatzel Nierstein Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml Was $29, Now $24, 6 bottles in stock now
Steve Spurrier-Decanter 92 points “This Riesling, from red slate soil on ultra-steep, south-facing slopes, ferments and matures in a 670-year-old cellar to produce a floral, fresh and pure vineyard wine, with just 7.5% abv, the 42g/l sugar and 11.5g/l acidity in perfect balance. Quite lovely.”
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 92 points “So much freshness and energy with tons of elderflowers and white fruit. Super-crisp and very clean palate and a breathtaking finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
Weingut Schatzel Pettenthal Riesling Kabinett “S”, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml Was $79, Now $69, 7 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 95 points “Forget the rules, pack your bag, grab this bottle and leave your old life behind! Savage mineral beauty, combined with light body and enormous brightness. Drink or hold.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “The ‘S’ here references south-facing slopes in the Pettenthal (whereas previous Schätzel Pettenthal Kabinetts have come from a portion of Pettenthal – arguably predestined for Kabinett – that turns north up against the Brudersberg). Pungent kumquat and tangerine on the nose translate into downright sizzling zest and grip on this wine’s alcoholically ultra-light yet concentrated and almost lushly fruity palate. A vibrantly sustained finish carries Pettenthal-typical smokiness as well as saliva-inducing salinity. High residual sugar – as reflected in a mere 7.5% alcohol – manages to engender only an engaging and supportive sense of sweetness.”
We offer 171 wines on our Close-Out Sale in stock now.
Shop the sale on our webstore now!
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
Provence Wines – Red, White, & Pink
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Provence wine
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Provence wine
Espectacle del Montsant & Clos Mogador
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Espectacle del Montsant & Clos Mogador
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Espectacle del Montsant & Clos Mogador
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Provence sale ends Tuesday, February 11th at 9 am Pacific. Espectacle del Montsant & Clos Mogador sale ends Wednesday, February 12th at 9 am Pacific.