2017 Cayuse "Cailloux Vineyard" Walla Walla Valley Syrah

“The only Syrah that includes some Viognier, the 2017 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard (this is the same site used for the Viognier) is always a great representation of the vintage as well as the wines of Christophe Baron. Ruby/purple-hued, with a rocking bouquet of black raspberries, smoked game, black pepper, and spring flowers, it has plenty of classic Rocks funkiness and meaty notes, medium to full body, a core of sweet fruit, and a great, great finish. It ranks with the top two to three wines in this vintage.” (04/2020)

“Lots of blackberry, tar and blueberry aromas with hints of dried earth. Full bodied, tight and focused with intensity and savoriness in the center palate. Plush and attractive at the end, but not overpowering.” (03/2020)

“The 2017 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard begins generous and inky in the glass, with black fruit at its core and floral aromas of violets and lavender followed by a soft smokiness with layers of olive tapenade and dust-covered black raspberry. Full-bodied, the Cailloux Syrah is intensely complex and reveals layers of crunchy minerality and silky tannins that frame the elegant notions of cherry blossom in the mouth. Ending with a long-lingering and sophisticated finish, the wine continues to reveal its subtleties, expressing umami and savory characteristics. Proving to be yet another stellar bottling from the Cayuse team, the wine dares me to keep my hands off the glass. I can’t... (AM)” (08/2020)

“Bright red-ruby. Highly complex, soil-driven aromas of raspberry, red licorice, smoked meat, pepper and rose petal. Intense, savory and concentrated; quite penetrating and youthful in the way of the 2016 bottling, showing little in the way of easy sweetness in spite of its terrific flavor intensity and depth. Not a thick wine but remarkably juicy. A very structured version of this bottling, in need of time to harmonize, soften and expand. As much saline as sweet, showing a briney olive tapenade note. This Syrah will rely more on its firm tannic spine than on its acidity for energy. Finishes very long and authoritative, if a bit uncompromising today. (ST) 95+” (07/2020)

“The nose opens with pronounced aromas of tapenade that carry into the palate with a lot of stimulation. There is plenty of energy, waking up the palate with a lot of length. It also will show even better with food as the structure is decidedly palate-cleansing and lengthy. It is difficult not to just go ahead and drink this wine. Savoury, bringing intensity through an incredibly long finish. 17.5+/20 points (ECB)” (03/2022)