Bill Bender

9.0

Off list. I’ve been on the Cayuse allocation since ‘07 or so but I’ve never been offered the Pig. I did get one on a recent cellar release but I wanted to test drive a little. It’s 75% Cab Franc with 15% Cab and 10% Merlot with a relatively throttled down 14.5% alcohol. Not much nose rises from the bottle and with no Syrah I wouldn’t say I expected the Fox fur funk but I was surprised it was so timid. This wine is all there but it is definitely on its denouement and the fruit is starting to fade. I got woodsmoke, truffle, lots of earth and cranberry. I would love to have had this 5 years or so ago. I view this as the hardest Cayuse to obtain (and that may or may not be true from a production standpoint, I have no idea) so it was fun to complete my personal lineup in terms of trying Cayuse. Looking forward to trying a younger bottle to get a better handle on what’s happening here. — 3 days ago

Bill Bender

9.3

Bill had this 6 days ago

with Chad and Kimberly

Bill Bender

9.2

Round, rich and full but most of what is compelling about it is up front. It’s very youthful and needs time in the bottle to spread its wings. It’s clear why this is so sought after...it has something that feels extra gear but this was just a baby killing. — 13 days ago

Bill Bender

9.6

At Maple & Ash in Chicago, a spot I was really impressed with. This was an elegant wow wine. Crushed rocks enveloped by sweet, dark red fruit. Ample tannic presence but no hard edges and absolutely no raisin-y qualities which can show with an over abundance with Amarone. — 3 days ago

Bill Bender

9.2

Bill had this 6 days ago

with Chad and Kimberly

Bill Bender

9.2

Fun to visit as a counter balance to the Rhônes but it was drinking pretty tight. Great producer but this is a hold for now. — 13 days ago

Bill Bender

9.6

I’m a sucker for Clape. Rich, ripe and mineral driven. Lots of power but marked beauty and lush tannins. Licorice infused soil and sweet, sappy red fruit. — 13 days ago

Bill Bender

9.6

Met up with @Kimberly Anderson and @Chad Anderson in Chicago with my Dad. They brought this outstanding bottle for happy hour at Bellemore. This was 80/20 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir. Creamy, balanced and noticeable purity. Marked acidity and length. Paired 👌🏽 with kampachi crudo apps and exceptional company! — 6 days ago

Bill Bender

9.4

Bill had this 6 days ago

with Chad and Kimberly

Bill Bender

9.5

It’s so hard to source these and it showed really well. I find these less bretty and earth driven than most other CDPs. So, not as thought provoking with secondary characteristics but a little more purity and more fruit expression. — 13 days ago