Cayuse Vineyards
En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah
Walla Walla Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
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.
From the 2018 Cayuse Ex-cellar sale. Followed over two days.
The oldest Cayuse I’ve had to date and a testimony to the quality and longevity of these wines as the wine was drinking beautifully. This sat with the cork removed for about an hour before it was tasted the first time. Aromatically, the Cayuse funk was just barely there (I’m assuming a combo of age as well as less use of whole clusters/stem back during these vintages), but even just a touch of that funk is enough to reel you in. Iron driven, teriyaki, stewed tomatoes, and dark cocoa dusted dates. It has a semi muddled profile on the palate but the acidity is still keeping this lively, and it went from black cherry dominant in day one to a darker, roasted black cherry/underripe blackberry flavor on day two. Olive and truffle mushroom on both days, but day two had a distinct sage/wintergreen type note at the finish. Complex, integrated, and delicious. Thrilled to have been able to acquire one of these, courtesy of @Bill Bender
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.
From the 2018 Cayuse Ex-cellar sale. Followed over two days.
The oldest Cayuse I’ve had to date and a testimony to the quality and longevity of these wines as the wine was drinking beautifully. This sat with the cork removed for about an hour before it was tasted the first time. Aromatically, the Cayuse funk was just barely there (I’m assuming a combo of age as well as less use of whole clusters/stem back during these vintages), but even just a touch of that funk is enough to reel you in. Iron driven, teriyaki, stewed tomatoes, and dark cocoa dusted dates. It has a semi muddled profile on the palate but the acidity is still keeping this lively, and it went from black cherry dominant in day one to a darker, roasted black cherry/underripe blackberry flavor on day two. Olive and truffle mushroom on both days, but day two had a distinct sage/wintergreen type note at the finish. Complex, integrated, and delicious. Thrilled to have been able to acquire one of these, courtesy of @Bill Bender
James has been trying to open this for me since last year. Inky purple with amber edges. Slight VA upon opening. Loads of smoky black fruit but it takes a back seat to the old worn out oxidized flavors. Definitely well past its prime. Unfortunately even the best WA wines sometimes can't make it past the 10 year mark. Christophe seems to think this will last to 2040. Ha! Wishful thinking.
James has been trying to open this for me since last year. Inky purple with amber edges. Slight VA upon opening. Loads of smoky black fruit but it takes a back seat to the old worn out oxidized flavors. Definitely well past its prime. Unfortunately even the best WA wines sometimes can't make it past the 10 year mark. Christophe seems to think this will last to 2040. Ha! Wishful thinking.
Dec 8th, 2015
2004 Cayuse "En Chamberlin" Walla Walla Valley Syrah Ex-Cellar 2018 Selection. 14.7% alcohol. Think bacon frying in the background as you pour fresh, warm blueberry compote over your pancakes while wearing your soft leather Moto jacket and you’ve nailed the nose. On the palate add some balsamic chocolate to that background of dark fruits and roasted game. Wonderful salinity with a silky texture. Lingering finish. Nice NCAA hoops selection.
2004 Cayuse "En Chamberlin" Walla Walla Valley Syrah Ex-Cellar 2018 Selection. 14.7% alcohol. Think bacon frying in the background as you pour fresh, warm blueberry compote over your pancakes while wearing your soft leather Moto jacket and you’ve nailed the nose. On the palate add some balsamic chocolate to that background of dark fruits and roasted game. Wonderful salinity with a silky texture. Lingering finish. Nice NCAA hoops selection.
Mar 24th, 2019First wine in new house. Positioned on top of invoice from movers for effect 😝
First wine in new house. Positioned on top of invoice from movers for effect 😝
Jan 26th, 2017Jeffrey had this 8 years ago
Jeffrey had this 8 years ago
Nov 17th, 2016Jeffrey had this 11 years ago
Jeffrey had this 11 years ago
May 12th, 2014
