Monday, June 15th, 2015
New Arrival Special Features
Pontet-Canet Pauillac 2008 ($149.95) $119 special, only 12 bottles available
Robert Parker 96 points “A candidate for the “wine of the vintage,” Pontet Canet’s 2008 boasts an opaque purple color as well as copious aromas of sweet blueberries, blackberries and black currant fruit intertwined with lead pencil shavings, subtle barbecue smoke and a hint of forest floor. Full-bodied, with fabulous richness, texture and tremendous freshness, this first-growth-like effort is more developed than the uber-powerful 2010. Give it 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. Bravo!”
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2003 750ML ($47.95) $38 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Cigar box, cedar and balsamic notes frame cherry, raisin and licorice flavors in this lean, firm red. Displays grip and focus. A traditional style. Drink now through 2023.”
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2004 750ML ($47.95) $38 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2004 Vina Bosconia Reserva is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho and the remaining 5% Mazuelo and Graciano aged for five years in used barrels, racked twice per year and fined with egg whites before being bottled unfiltered. Dark ruby-colored, with notes of beef blood, iron, antique shop, incense, blood orange and a touch of volatile acidity, the palate is very fresh, with good concentration, clear flavors and enough grip and fruit to age gracefully. A perfumed and feminine great Rioja. The Bosconia vineyard wines are the only ones from Lopez de Heredia bottled in Burgundy bottles. Drink now-2024.” WA
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Mid-West, East & South – Summer Shipping Saver
Whisk your wine through warmer weather!
Now for the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments normally travelling 4 or more business days.
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OREGON
Haden Fig Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Winery note “Whole cluster pressed and racked straight to stainless steel barrels. Honeysuckle and spearmint on the nose and ending with meyer lemon. 68 cases produced.”
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Winery note “We thought the single barrel of Chardonnay from the estate in 2012 was a low yield, but 2013 gave us even less; only a half barrel of estate Chardonnay. Lighter in body than the 2013, bright citrus mixes with honey and mineral notes. Only 12 cases produced. (certified organically grown)”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cameron Winery “Dazzle” Pink Wine 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
VinopolNote: This Rose was produced from Pinot Noir grapes from the Yohan vineyard that underwent a two day maceration before being fermented in new barrels. Pinot Blanc was added to the blend to increase aromatics and lighten the final color.
Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2013 750ML ($31.95) $27 special
VinopolNote: A blend of younger vines from the Clos Electrique Vineyard and a block of 35 year old vines from the Abbey Ridge Vineyard.
Beaux Freres ‘The Beaux Freres Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
From the winery “Tasting Notes: A bit darker, Medium ruby to red. Th¬e nose is of fresh red Oregon fruits & berries, a cherry aromatic is supported by more cola spice and a touch of subtle oak. This is a finesse styled Beaux Freres. Medium bodied with light-sweet tannins, very good purity and depth. Th-e texture here is beguiling as well. Drink between 2018 and 2028.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
CALIFORNIA
Bonny Doon Vineyard ‘Le Pousseur’ Syrah, Central Coast 2012 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Winery note “We’ve been in a nice aromatic groove of late with Le Pousseur, largely in virtue of the string of very cool vintages, and sourcing our fruit exclusively from cool climate sites. The ’12 Pousseur (who is to say why) is still in a Marlon Brando-like bit of a sullen funk, but there is no question that underneath that brooding exterior, there beats the heart of a Wild One. The Alamo Creek component (possibly in virtue of its extremely gravelly soil) seems to add a strong mineral/earthy/bloody note, not utterly unreminiscent of Cornas. With more air, you begin to gradually discern the characteristic anise/licorice character that typifies Syrah. On the palate, the wine has a refreshing acidity, tannins well-resolved and is remarkably savory with an exceptionally long finish. This wine is still amazingly young and will benefit from several years of ageing (if you can wait). If you can’t wait, decanting is well advised.”
FRANCE-RHONE
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30 2013 750ML ($41.95) $34.80 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90-91 points “(raised in used demi-muids): Bright violet color. Fresh red and dark berries and potpourri on the intensely perfumed nose. Silky and broad in the mouth, with sweet black raspberry and floral pastille flavors buffered by zesty acidity and a hint of white pepper. Closes silky, stony and very long, with hints of spicecake and cola.” JR
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60 VV 2013 750ML ($59.95) $46.80 special
Wine Advocate 92-94+ points “The 2013 Cornas Granit 60 Vielles Vignes is serious stuff. Inky colored and loaded with cassis, black raspberry, violets and licorice, it has beautiful acidity in its full-bodied, ripe, polished style. It has rock-solid mid-palate concentrated, and terrific length, so give it a handful of years in the cellar and drink bottles through 2025. Like all of Paris’s Cornas releases, it sees only older barrels.” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91-92 points “(raised in a combination of mostly used demi-muids and older barriques): Dark ruby. Smoky, deeply pitched aromas of blackberry, cherry compote, licorice pastille and violet. Fresh and lively on the palate, offering focused dark fruit and violet pastille flavors lifted by a smoky mineral element. Smoothly blends power with energy, with an array of peppery spice and floral qualities lingering on the long, gently tannic finish.” JR
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale 2013 750ML ($69.95) $54.80 special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2013 Cornas la Geynale is slightly more perfumed and wild than the Granit 60, with terrific black pepper, smoked earth, leather, meat and lots of black currant fruit. While from a cooler vintage, it doesn’t lack for stuffing and has full-bodied richness, a layered, ripe texture and sweet tannin. It’s another rocking wine from this young vigneron who’s at the top of his game.” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-93 points “Inky ruby. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes dark berries, smoky herbs, potpour”ri and minerals, with a hint of olive paste in the background. Lively black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are underscored by smoky minerality and pick up deeper notes of candied licorice and sweet chewing tobacco with air. Leaves behind spicy dark fruit and mineral notes on a very persistent, energetic finish. These vines were planted in 1910, making them among the oldest in the appellation.” JR
FRANCE-LOIRE
Cedrick Bardin Sancerre 2014 750ML ($21.94) $18 special
Winery note “[Translated] Typical expression of Sauvignon. This Sancerre from a flinty soil is characterized by its minerality, freshness and finesse. Enjoy it as an aperitif, with goat cheese or grilled fish.”
FRANCE-JURA
Jacques Puffeney Arbois Chardonnay, Jura 2013 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special
Jacques Puffeney Arbois Savagnin, Jura 2011 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Jacques Puffeney Arbois Cuvee Sacha, Jura NV (2012 & 2013) 750ML ($44.95) $36 special
FRANCE-PROVENCE
Le Galantin Bandol Rose 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Importer note “The Domaine Le Galantin Rose is a classic Provencal rose with delightful fresh berry fruit flavors and a crisp finish. It is composed of 50% Mourvedre, about 25% Cinsault and about 25% Grenache. After the grapes are hand-harvested from their organic vineyards, they cool down the bunches to 50 degrees for a two day cold soak in order to extract fruit, color and aromatics. The juice is then racked off and the grapes are pressed to stainless steel tanks. 10% of the wine is Saignée, the rest come from grapes treated as for making white wine. On the nose, mineral, with complex aromas of red fruit and citrus. Full bodied on the palate, generous and elegant. Bandol rosé is an excellent accompaniment to bouillabaisse and other fish and shellfish dishes.”
Le Charmel Rosé, Côtes de Provence 2014 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Winery note “30% Syrah, 30% Cinsault, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache, and 10% Rolle. The nose has beautiful aromas of raspberries and wild flowers and the palate is wonderfully bright and fresh with notes of strawberry and pear.”
ITALY-OTHER
Azienda Agricola Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Sicilia Rosso IGT, Sicily 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Very pretty aromas of rose, violet and perfumed berry lead the nose on this concentrated wine. The juicy palate offers blackberry, black cherry, licorice and white pepper alongside lithe, polished tannins and bright acidity. The succulent finish closes on a mineral note.” WE
Provenza Maiolo Lugana, Lombardy 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Winery note “The white D.O.P. Maiolo wine, originating from the Trebbiano vine of Lugana, takes its name from the manor house Cascina Maiolo, built in 1710. The grapes of this wine are obtained from cultivated vines in an area of 35 hectares, of an average age of 25 years. The nature of the terrain, a product of stratified clay, but with a prevalently chalky soil gives to this wine its own peculiar characteristic in the straw color with greenish reflections, in the delicate perfume with a hint of almond and a dry taste with a saline hint.”
Provenza Ca’Maiol ‘Negresco’ Garda Classico Rosso, Lombardy 2010 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Winery note “The choice of this fantasy name is connected to the well-known Provencal “Hotel Negresco” of Nice. This red wine originates from the noble grape vines of the D.O.P. Classic Garda: Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera varieties suitable to produce, after a long fermentation on their own skins, a modern wine which also has temperament. The product thus obtained has a well-defined structure which allows it to rest for approximately 12 months in 225 litre barrels, in order to confer a refinement and enrichment in complexity and different levels of taste and aroma. The Negresco wine can be conserved in its different harvests for several years, thanks to its body.”
SPAIN
Bodegas Muga Rosado, Rioja DOCa 2014 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Winery note “60% Garnacha, 30% Viura, 10% Tempranillo. Very light in colour, mainly pale salmon with orange glints and a bright sheen. On the nose the wine proves more mature than you might expect for the vintage. The acid fruit is less citrus in character and, in this vintage, ripe peach and pineapple aromas come through more strongly. Full, supple mouth-feel thanks to the time spent on fine lees, adding hints of baker’s shop aromas. The typical acidity of this wine is perfectly balanced to give an overall smooth taste. The aftertaste and retronasal phases are dominated by velvety smooth, yet fresh, sharp peach leaving a lovely final sensation which makes you want to try more.”
ARGENTINA
Bodega Colome Estate Malbec, Calchaqui Valley 2012 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90 points “Dark ruby-red. Aromas and flavors of bitter cherry and bitter chocolate are complicated by a whiff of game. Silky-sweet and supple, with beautifully integrated tannins contributing to an impression of suavity and carrying the fruit through a rather powerful, gripping finish. This should evolve gracefully.” ST
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:
For the Mid-West, East, and South during the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments that would normally travel four or more business days to their destination.
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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Time for Tempier
Arriving June 19th
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2014 375ML ($27.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2014 750ML ($44.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2014 1.5L ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Bright and high-pitched, this features a talc note that gives way to rosemary and white cherry hints, while the finish races along with sea salt and blood orange details. Long, chiseled and pure. A delicious rosé that should unwind further with some cellaring. Drink now through 2016.” WS
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Arriving This Week
Arriving Friday, June 19th
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Cuvee 4 (Quatre), Loire 2010 750ML ($27.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Cuvee 4 (Quatre), Loire 2010 1.5L ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “The light-gold color of this wine shows its maturity. It’s a rich wine that is rounded, full and with a touch of honey. With its toasty character and full-bodied character, this is an impressive wine for drinking now.-(6/1/2015)” WE
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Clisson, Loire 2012 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Clisson, Loire 2012 1.5L ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Made for aging, this wine is structured and firm. It has a dense texture surrounded by ripe white and yellow fruits. With a touch of spice and a pepper character, it is rich, impressive and full-bodied. Drink from 2017. — R.V. (6/1/2015).”
Bergstrom Wines ‘Cumberland’ Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2013 375ML ($21.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Winery note “The 2013 Cumberland Reserve is dark red cherry in color and showcases an explosive and heady aromatic profile of fresh black cherries, red raspberries a slight kirsch note and ripe blueberries. The fruit character is bright and pure and only slightly lifted and framed by great Oregon spice and loamy earth character which adds depth and dimension to this very promising wine. In the mouth the wine is a fantastic expression of pure Oregon Pinot Noir with great verve and lift and vibrancy showing off rich, ripe berry flavors and a suave velvet-like structure which caresses the palate with its succulence but also promises a great future with its minerality and sweet tannins. Drink now-2019+”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bergstrom Wines ‘Bergstrom Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Winery note “The Bergström Vineyard Pinot Noir is our flagship single vineyard Pinot Noir. Our first estate vineyard, planted in 1999, located in the red volcanic Jory soils of the Dundee Hills. This wine is usually one of our more cellar-worthy Pinot Noirs sometimes taking two or three years after bottling to fully blossom and unfurl its potential. The 2013 Bergström Vineyard Pinot Noir is vibrant ruby in color with pink reflections and has aromas of pipe tobacco, dark chocolate, citrus oils, savory herb garden, black cherries, and mint. There is sweet bright crunch of fruit in the mouth with succulent mouthwatering acidity which drives this wine’s energy. This wine possesses a core of dark red fruits and sweet spices in the mid palate with very fine dusting of sweet tannins and a long finish. A very unique but special bottling from this great vineyard site. Behaving much more like a young Burgundy, this great Oregon Pinot Noir should be consumed between 2017 and 2025, but could drink well for two decades or more.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Cantina del Pino
“From the time I was a young boy I worked year round in these vineyards and I understand that without superior grapes you can’t make superior wine. I know how lucky I am.” — Renato Vacca -winemaker/owner Cantina del Pino
Though Cantina Del Pino has only been producing since 1997, the Vacca family has been a part of Piedmontese winemaking for over 100 years. Domizio Cavazzo established the estate in 1894, becoming one of the first winemakers to produce Nebbiolo under the name Barbaresco. To celebrate the birth of his first son, he planted what became a large Mediterranean pine tree, and he eventually named his winery after the tree, Cantina del Pino (“Winery of the Pine”). When Cavazza passed away unexpectedly in 1912, Renato Vacca’s great grandfather purchased the vineyards, and the Vacca family has remained ever since. Until 1997, their grapes were entirely sold to the Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative, where Renatto’s cousin, Aldo Vacca, manages the cooperative winery. Today, Cantina del Pino is managed by fourth generation winemaker Renato Vacca, although his parents, aunts, uncles and friends all help with production, a truly family-run winery. All of the family’s vineyards are within the Barbaresco appellation. The oldest vines were planted by Renato Vacca’s great-grandfather, with ages ranging between 35 to 70 years old and averaging 40 years old. The Ovello Vineyard site, their most famous and one of the most revered vineyards in Piedmont, is almost 1,000 feet in altitude with limestone and sandy soil, producing wines that Renatto describes as elegant with balanced acidity. The Albesani Vineyard, to the North-East in Neive, produces richer wine due to its warmer sun exposure and denser clay soil; expect more intense fruit and floral flavors that are best with a longer cellaring. The family’s Barbaresco DOCG is sourced from Starderi and Gallina in addition to Ovello and Albesani. Wines are temperature controlled from maceration through the end of bottle aging and are bottled unfined and unfiltered, with the utmost goal to allow the wine’s natural terroir to shine.
Available Here Now from Cantina del Pino
Cantina del Pino Barbaresco DOCG 2009 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 10 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2009 Barbaresco wraps around the palate with soft, caressing fruit. This juicy, up-front Barbaresco is an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years. Renato Vacca has succeeded in giving his Barbaresco considerable finesse without losing the essential Nebbiolo tannins and overall structure. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Proprietor Renato Vacca continues to show he has the magic touch. I would be thrilled to drink any of these magnificent wines. Vacca has decided to release his 2009 single-vineyard Barbareschi before the 2008s, as he feels those wines need another year in bottle. I hope readers take the time to check out these fabulous wines. Along with Sottimano, Gaja, Pelissero and a handful of others, Cantina del Pino is one of the very few estates in Barbaresco where every single wine is fabulous” AG
Cantina del Pino Albesani, Barbaresco DOCG 2008 ($59.95) $49 special, 9 bottles available
Antonio Galloni & Wine Spectator 94+ points “Cantina del Pino’s 2008 Barbaresco Albesani shows the heights of pure elegance Nebbiolo is capable of. An exotic array of plums, black cherries, menthol and violets come to life as the Albesani shows off its pedigree. Silky, refined and polished, the Albesani is simply magnificent from the very first taste. The deep, resonant finish stayed with me for hours. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.”
Cantina del Pino Albesani, Barbaresco DOCG 2009 ($59.95) $45 special, 14 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “The picture of harmony, this red exudes cherry and floral aromas, with plenty of berry, tobacco and balsamic flavors. Balanced and firm, with a lingering aftertaste of spice and mineral. Accessible now, yet will improve. Best from 2014 through 2025.″
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cantina del Pino Albesani, Barbaresco DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 special, 20 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Cantina del Pino’s 2010 Barbaresco Albesani is another huge, powerful wine. Black cherries, smoke, licorice and asphalt hit the palate in a powerful, structured Barbaresco that is going to require some time. As always, the richness and depth of Albesani comes through, but in this vintage, there is also plenty of underlying structure to allow the 2010 to age gracefully for years.” AG
Cantina del Pino Ovello, Barbaresco DOCG 2008 ($59.95) $49 special, 1 bottle available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Layers of sweet, Pinot-like fruit emerge effortlessly from the 2008 Barbaresco Ovello. Incredibly refined from the very first taste, the Ovello impresses for its overall balance and sense of harmony. Expressive floral notes reappear on the finish in a Barbaresco that is unusually refined for this site, where the wines are typically a bit more taut.”
Cantina del Pino Ovello, Barbaresco DOCG 2010 ($69.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “Showing great persistency and length, the 2010 Barbaresco Ovello is an extremely elegant and refined expression with crushed flowers, forest fruit and strong mineral definition. The Ovello cru (at 300 meters above sea level) overlooks the Tanaro River valley where early morning fog banks appear and temperature shifts are very pronounced thus helping aromatic development of the wine. The results are ethereal and finessed. Drink: 2017-2035.”
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Cayuse Round Two
More New Arrivals
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2010 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Spectator 97 points “Dark and peppery, this vibrates with mineral and black olive overtones, featuring a supple core of dark plum and spice flavors, finishing with remarkable intensity, tension and refinement. Shows power, exuberance and finesse in equal measure.”
Wine Advocate 96+ points “The deepest colored of the Syrahs, the 2010 Syrah Bionic Frog is a smoking 100% Syrah that comes from the Coccinelle (“Ladybug” in French) Vineyard, which is a four- acre plot that was planted to Syrah in 1998. Showing beautifully from bottle (I first tasted this from barrel close to two years ago), it offers up a deep, layered and complex aromatic profile of black currants, smoked herbs, mulch, game and hints of pepper. This flows to a full-bodied, ethereally textured Syrah that has surprising polish, building richness and a rock star finish that doesn’t lack for length. A classic Bionic Frog that has both richness and elegance, it will benefit from another year or three in the cellar and shine for 15+ years. Drink 2015-2025.”
Stephen Tanzer 95 points “Good bright, deep red with ruby highlights. Knockout Hermitage-like nose combines blackberry, gunflint, clove, pepper and rose petal. Sweet and densely packed, with dark berry and pepper flavors complemented by deeper-pitched elements of smoke and leather. The utterly palate-saturating finish features substantial dusty tannins and outstanding clarity and lift for such a rich wine.”
Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2008 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2008 En Cerise Vineyard Syrah offers up a remarkably complex, sexy perfume that leaps from the glass. Exotic spices, a velvety texture, and a succulent richness on the palate are sublime. It, too, can be enjoyed for a decade or more.”
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “A subtle, complex, utterly distinctive mix of flavors, with opening streaks of butter cookie, then mushroom broth, tightly wound berry fruit, earthy coffee grounds and even darker streaks of espresso and smoke and licorice. It is deeply layered with flavors that just keep piling on. Amazing wine.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Rich and round, yet amazingly transparent as the cherry, mineral, tar and sassafras flavors expand over the long, expressive palate. This has richness and depth balanced with vibrant acidity, finishing with intensity. Best from 2012 through 2020. 355 cases made.”
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2005 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 97 points “The normal cuvee of 2005 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard has an alluring perfume of spice box meat game and blueberry compote. Opulent yet elegant this hedonistic effort will benefit from 4-6 years of cellaring and provide pleasure through 2020.”
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “Good bright dark red. Raspberry, pepper, woodsmoke, spices and dried herbs on the highly nuanced nose. Darker in its fruit character than the special Walla Walla bottling and less perfumed and expressive today in spite of its silky sweetness. Not especially creamy right now but boasts terrific lift toward the back and palate-staining length. Already delivers great appeal, but needs time to lose some of its baby fat.”
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2006 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 98 points “The first of the Syrahs is the saturated purple 2006 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard (with 4% Viognier in the blend). It displays a Cote-Rotie-like nose of smoked meat, game, and bacon with a dollop of burnt sugar and blueberry making an appearance. Layered, plush, and super-rich, this full-bodied, pleasure-bent effort has exceptional length. Difficult to resist now, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Highly Recommended and #26 on Top 100 Wines of 2009. Plush and polished, this brims with cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors that are nicely shaded with streaks of mineral and green olive. Supple, harmonious and expressive as the finish keeps sailing on and on. Best from 2011 through 2018.”
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2008 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2008 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah contains 4% Viognier. Expressive game, bacon, and blueberry aromas are given uplift by the Viognier component. This savory, rich, lengthy Syrah can be enjoyed now and over the next 10-12 years.”
Wine Enthusist 97 points “This is the only Cayuse Syrah that is co-fermented (with 8% Viognier), which adds nuances of white flower and floral, though the citrus rind scents override them. In the nose it’s hugely expressive, though still quite tight and compact in the mouth; it must be decanted. It’s a three ring circus of a wine, with things moving and shaking in all directions. Mineral, berry, mountain complexity, nuanced herb and earth and citrus, all in proportion, and all flowing in the mouth.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Polished, refined in structure and exuberant in flavor, bursting with cherry, smoke, paprika and tar character, finishing with a mineral edge. This has a steely balance behind the open texture, and the finish just rolls and rolls. Drink now through 2020. 785 cases made.”
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2005 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 2 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “Deep ruby-red. Dark fruits, black pepper, licorice, mocha and brown spices on the nose: Baron’s answer to La Landonne? Wonderfully intense and deep, with powerful dark fruit flavors sexed up by an exotic note of apricot. Finishes with outstanding mounting persistence and restrained sweetness. It would be a treat to see this trio of vineyard-designated syrahs in about five years. Baron told me that this vineyard was the first syrah planted on its own rootstock in Walla Walla Valley”
More Fantastic Washington Wines
Available Here Now from Quilceda Creek
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2001 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 97 points “A smidge more evolved than the 2002, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, mostly from the famed Champoux Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. It offers a rock star bouquet of blackberry liqueur, cassis, dried licorice, spice and roasted meats to go with a full-bodied, concentrated, yet incredibly polished and elegantly textured mouthfeel. Blockbuster stuff that has everything, it is still youthful and vibrant and has another decade or more of longevity, although I see no reason to delay gratification. Drink now-2023.” RP
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2002 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 2 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “Almost as good as the 2003, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc that spent 22 months in 100% new French oak. Its youthful purple/ruby color is followed by gorgeously complex and intense aromas of wild herbs, exotic spices, caramelized beef, licorice and layers of sweet black fruits and creamy black cherry-like nuances. Full-bodied, rich and incredibly youthful, it opens up beautifully in the glass and is a total thrill ride of a Washington State Cabernet. I’d enjoy bottles over the coming decade, but it will hold longer. Drink now-2027. ” RP
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2004 750ML ($299.95) $219 special, 4 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “Also offering off-the-charts richness, with a flamboyant, hedonistic profile, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc) possesses spice-laced aromas and flavors of cassis, smoke tobacco, roasted meats, dried licorice and wild herbs that are to die for. Full-bodied, incredibly layered, rich and textured it has no hard edges, masses of tannin and a finish that won’t quit. I’ve been lucky enough to taste this cuvee three times (rated 96 and 97) in the past handful of weeks and this was the best showing yet. From a cool vintage, it is still youthful and vibrant, and will continue to shine for another 15+ years. Drink now-2028.” RP
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2005 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 100 points “From a hot vintage and incredible any way you look at it, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon has that laser-like focus of a cooler year, yet the voluptuousness and richness of a warmer year. Smoked black fruits, coffee, truffle and pen ink-like aromas and flavors all emerge from this massive, incredibly full-bodied effort and on the palate, it carries itself perfectly with a weightless, yet decadent texture, masses of polished tannin and blockbuster length. More classic and textbook than the 2007, it is every bit as good. Enjoy it over the coming two decades or more. Drink now-2033.” RP
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 97-100 points “More approachable, but no less impressive, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) looks gorgeous, and is probably the most complete wine in the lineup. Layered and rich, yet ultra-pure and also elegant, it gives up classic crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, licorice and liquid flower like qualities to go with full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Relatively civilized, yet with building tannin and richness, it should benefit from short term cellaring and have two decades of longevity.” WA
Quilceda Creek Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2011 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard comes all from the Golitzin’s Red Mountain vineyard and is almost all Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the richest and most concentrated wines in the vintage, it offer fabulous creme de cassis, black raspberry, graphite, toast and licorice aromas and flavors to go with a full-bodied, seamless and beautifully balanced profile on the palate. As expected, it doesn’t have the sheer wealth of material that’s present in the prior vintages, yet everything is perfectly proportioned, it has excellent mid-palate depth and notable, sweet tannin. It benefits from a decant and will have upwards of two decades of longevity.” WA
Quilceda Creek Palengat Vineyard Red, Horse Heaven Hills 2011 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 95 points “A blend of 61% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot, the 2011 Palengat Vineyard has a great bouquet of sweet plum liqueur, blackberry, graphite, lead pencil shavings and toast. This is followed by a full-bodied effort that has beautiful concentration (especially in the vintage), loads of texture and ripe underlying tannic structure. Reasonably approachable now, it will nevertheless evolve gracefully on its overall balance. Enjoy bottles over the coming 10-15 years.” WA
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These Cayuse Bottles are Still Available Here Now
Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker’ En Chamberlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2010 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “A silky, supple and downright sexy 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2010 Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard offers up notes of sweet red and black currants, leaf tobacco, mulled spices and cedar to go with a full-bodied, rich and gorgeously textured and polished palate. Already approachable and surprisingly civilized, with a core of sweet fruit and ripe, polished tannin, it nevertheless holds up beautifully with air and drank well for the three days I had the bottle open. Enjoy it over the coming 12-15+ years. Drink now-2025+.” WA
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Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2008 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 94 points “Baron’s 2008 Grenache Armada Vineyard God Only Knows displays delectable scents and luscious palate presence of lightly-cooked strawberry and plum laced with nut oils and shadowed by plum and herb distillates. Seamlessly polished, almost velvety and glycerol-rich as well as sweetly ripe, this, nonetheless, projects a torrent of primary fruit juiciness along with levity and energy. Saliva-inducing salinity along with piquant fruit pit, and iodine accents add riveting counterpoint to a finish of prodigious length that manages to simultaneously sooth and stimulate. I would expect this to reward attention for at least another decade.” WA
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2010 750ML ($149.95) $125 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “As usual, the Cailloux is co-fermented with Viognier. The oldest of the Cayuse vineyards, it’s really coming into maturity, delivering a tour de force performance in this new vintage. Aromatically explosive, it opens with floral and citrus—notably orange peel—then fills out with a lush palate bursting with cherry fruit, and the winery’s characteristic, savory.” WE
Wine Advocate 96 points “The only one of Christophe’s Syrahs to be co-fermented with Viognier, the 2010 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard (90% Syrah, 10% Viognier) shows the least amount of Cayuse funk and has classic northern Rhone-like aromas and flavors of black raspberry, black pepper, edgy minerality, spring flowers and hints of bacon fat. Gaining additional complexity and nuances with air, it is silky and polished on the palate, with full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture and remarkable persistence and length on the finish. One of those wines that delivers incredible amounts of fruit and texture without ever seeming heavy, it is a brilliant wine that will benefit from a handful of years in the cellar and shine for 10-15 years. Drink now-2025.” WA
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2008 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2008 En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah offers up notes of tar licorice earthy minerals blueberry and blackberry. Dense and powerful on the palate this appears to be Baron’s take on Hermitage.”WA
Wine Spectator 94 points “Dark and brooding youthful and vibrant with plum currant dried tomato and fresh leather flavors picking up stony notes as the finish persists impressively. This has richness minerality and depth. Drink now through 2018.”WS
Cayuse Vineyards Armada Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2009 750ML ($199.95) $169 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 points “From his high-density 2001 planting, Baron’s 2009 Syrah Armada Vineyard leads with a high-toned, penetrating nose that one can scarcely avoid calling Côte Rôtie-like: bacon fat, fresh cherry, kirsch, framboise, and violet. But there are also black tea, caramel, and a penetrating note of sealing wax that’s reminiscent of mature Bordeaux. Around one quarter of the 600-liter barrels in which this was raised (following fermentation in a mixture of cement and wood) were new. Dense, fine-grained but more evident tannins than in most of the present collection appear on a palate whose savory salinity and saliva-inducement, however, are utterly Cayuesque. The interplay of flavors here is kaleidoscopic and at the same time almost eye-squintingly bright. What’s more, as the wine opens to the air, a real layering and interplay emerges of diverse carnal elements alone: smoked meat, game, bloody roasted red meat, marrow and bone meal. This Syrah’s phenomenal sense of energy as well as of sheer, sappy, expansive presence, make for a finish whose vibratory intensity shakes-up my entire mouth. A truly awesome effort, it will surely be worth following for at least 15 years”
Stephen Tanzer 92+ points “Good deep red with ruby highlights. Distinctly decadent aromas of superripe plum, dried berries, mocha and smoked meat. Extremely dense, lush and thick, offering sweet, wild flavors of black raspberry, mocha and brown spices. Finishes very long, with big, ripe tannins. This large-scaled, mouthfilling, saline syrah will need time in bottle to express itself.”ST