No Girls Wines
La Paciencia Vineyard Syrah
Walla Walla Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
I followed this over two days. For context, I love these wines (big fan of the WA funk), and it’s always really fun to compare these against the Cayuse lineup. So glad @Bill Bender introduced me to these wines a few years back.
For the price, these are such killer wines. To me, this is Cayuse but just dialed a few steps back. If you want funk, you’ve got it. If you want more elegance and floral notes, you’ve got it. On both day 1 and 2, the aromatics didn’t really change...black pepper crusted black cherries, cherry jerky, tapenade, and white pepper. What I did see change in was the palate. Day one was very coiled showing lots of underripe red and black fruits, herbs de provence and a mineral driven streak down the middle. The whole cluster green/stemmy flair is there but not overly crunchy. Really nervy and vibrant. Day two expanded the wine a bit and while the smoked meat was present, it didn’t dominate. This is where No Girls diverges for me...all the Cayuse notes are there, just dialed back. I was shocked at how tannic this was (decanted 3hrs day one, drank from bottle over an hour on day two). Hold, or decant 3+hrs. This will get even better.
I followed this over two days. For context, I love these wines (big fan of the WA funk), and it’s always really fun to compare these against the Cayuse lineup. So glad @Bill Bender introduced me to these wines a few years back.
For the price, these are such killer wines. To me, this is Cayuse but just dialed a few steps back. If you want funk, you’ve got it. If you want more elegance and floral notes, you’ve got it. On both day 1 and 2, the aromatics didn’t really change...black pepper crusted black cherries, cherry jerky, tapenade, and white pepper. What I did see change in was the palate. Day one was very coiled showing lots of underripe red and black fruits, herbs de provence and a mineral driven streak down the middle. The whole cluster green/stemmy flair is there but not overly crunchy. Really nervy and vibrant. Day two expanded the wine a bit and while the smoked meat was present, it didn’t dominate. This is where No Girls diverges for me...all the Cayuse notes are there, just dialed back. I was shocked at how tannic this was (decanted 3hrs day one, drank from bottle over an hour on day two). Hold, or decant 3+hrs. This will get even better.
Crazy funky with some lilacs and black fruit on the back end. Not a whole lot of olivey brineyness or meaty quality. Little acid punch on the finish. Checking in on these, putting the other 2 to bed for at least 5 years.
Crazy funky with some lilacs and black fruit on the back end. Not a whole lot of olivey brineyness or meaty quality. Little acid punch on the finish. Checking in on these, putting the other 2 to bed for at least 5 years.
May 23rd, 2018
Crazy black olive, good acid, and nice fruit. Cannot compare this to another region in the world
Crazy black olive, good acid, and nice fruit. Cannot compare this to another region in the world
1 person found it helpfulNov 11th, 2014Brilliant Syrah from Christophe Baron of Cayuse, elegant union of French approach and Walla Walla terroir.
Brilliant Syrah from Christophe Baron of Cayuse, elegant union of French approach and Walla Walla terroir.
1 person found it helpfulNov 22nd, 2013Could only be one region, one Sub Ava, one varietal, one winemaker. Like cassoulet in a glass, smoked meats, violets, black olives, orange blossom, great acid for the area. a baby but I don't know how it gets better. Some of the best Syrah in the world. Total package.
Could only be one region, one Sub Ava, one varietal, one winemaker. Like cassoulet in a glass, smoked meats, violets, black olives, orange blossom, great acid for the area. a baby but I don't know how it gets better. Some of the best Syrah in the world. Total package.
Mar 8th, 2017Very savory, could use another 5 years
Very savory, could use another 5 years
Dec 24th, 2016Still tasting fresh day 2. Savory and herbs
Still tasting fresh day 2. Savory and herbs
Sep 2nd, 2016
Delivering on all fronts as always. Perfect with rack of lamb tonight.
Delivering on all fronts as always. Perfect with rack of lamb tonight.
Mar 30th, 2023