Walla Walla Valley, Oregon Washington
Cayuse Vineyards
Edith Rosé Grenache 2017
My first time to have the Rosé from one of my favorite wineries. 2017 is current release. The fruit is from the Armada Vineyard in a special two row section that is used solely for rosé.
Almost like an orange wine in the glass with its hue. Aromatically, there is blood orange, melon, and a stone/mineral type flair that indicates this is more of a thinking man’s type rosé. Fair bit of spritz on the palate with tangy orange peel, watermelon rind, black cherry skin and a kiss of iron at the very finish (feels like a Cayuse signature move). A Rosé that seemed to evolve ever so slightly the longer it was open. Definitely complex. — 20 days ago
Hors Categorie Vineyards
Syrah 2014
Though not the same as it was pre-COVID -19, a handful of us were able to gather (while keeping our distance) to celebrate being back together and opened some fun wines to share. Wine is always better with good company.
A tour de force Syrah. Kudos to Christophe for not only the monumental effort here, but for also how it has its own profile away from Cayuse, Horsepower and No Girls. For me, this fell in between Cayuse and HP in the funk department, but it’s depth and concentration is unmatched. Pours dark in the glass with aromatics reminiscent of a bbq pit next to an herb garden. Teriyaki sauce, cherry smoked jerky, black currant, peppercorn crusted blackberries and classical funk. On the palate, it’s commanding with a vein of iron like savoriness down the middle, alongside licorice, potpourri, brambly dark fruits and herbs de Provence. We followed this out of the decanter for a few hours and it only got more powerful. Heck of a bottle, courtesy of @Keith Fisher . — 25 days ago
B. Leighton
Gratitude Olsen Brothers Vineyard Red Blend 2013
Definitely a hot year wine. So a bit loose, but by no means do I think that ruins it. It is just a young drinking, fruit forward/jammy treat. On the nose, ripe strawberry, red plums, a hint of wet stone, and some fleshy notes are all in the GSM wheelhouse. Where it delights is the palate: the strawberry is pronounced, but there are a lot of nuanced flavors of: graphite, black plum/currant, blackberry, black tea, smoke and tobacco. Yum! — 8 days ago
Reininger
Cima Walla Walla Valley Sangiovese Blend 2012
In the glass this wine is deep dark burgundy with slightly orange-tinged halo. It smells masculine and earthy with hints of pepper, cedar, blueberries and anise seed. The wine goes down easy even with the noticeable presence of rich tannins. The balance is nice, keeping it interesting as the finish lingers. I taste oak-y dark cherries with an aftertaste of black licorice. I think this is some good medicine. I need another dose. — 9 days ago
Reynvaan Family Vineyards
Queen's Road White Walla Walla Valley Viognier Marsanne 2016
The absolutely gorgeous 2016 ‘Queens Road’ was aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. This stunning wine takes on a hedonistic nose with banana, buttercream, green papaya and suggestions of nutmeg infused hazelnuts that all marvelously combine in the glass. Mouth-watering acidity and a sensational texture greet you alongside a strong veil of salinity. The combination of weight and freshness is outstanding. Once on the palate you are enticed by the seemingly endless layers of orchard and tropical fruits along with nutty and stony undertones complete this sensational wine. While a delight to savor right now, the 2016 ‘Queens Road’ still has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 94 — 24 days ago
Diane M. Napolitano
Feels weird drinking red in the summer but I had to have this before quarantine ended! 😄 Oak, cherries, dark chocolate, semi-dry. — 3 days ago