Cayuse Vineyards
God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache
Walla Walla Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Big fan of these style of wines. GOK being the only Grenache heavy wine from Christophe, but this is 90% in the same vein as the portfolio of Syrahs, with a little more elegance and brightness.
Followed over three days, consistent throughout. Typical aromatic notes of pepper, potpurri, spiced raspberries, cherry flavored jerky and noticeable stem inclusion. Nervy and herbal on the palate. Iron, olive, blood orange, and tangy strawberries wrapped in a spice yet nimble profile. There’s an odd spritz that I’ve not gotten on these before, so who knows what that’s about. An absolute dynamite pairing with elk tenderloin.
Big fan of these style of wines. GOK being the only Grenache heavy wine from Christophe, but this is 90% in the same vein as the portfolio of Syrahs, with a little more elegance and brightness.
Followed over three days, consistent throughout. Typical aromatic notes of pepper, potpurri, spiced raspberries, cherry flavored jerky and noticeable stem inclusion. Nervy and herbal on the palate. Iron, olive, blood orange, and tangy strawberries wrapped in a spice yet nimble profile. There’s an odd spritz that I’ve not gotten on these before, so who knows what that’s about. An absolute dynamite pairing with elk tenderloin.
Tasted blind. Scarlet purple core and very opaque. Herbal nose. Notes of plum, Provençal herbs, a little kirsch. Big in the palate but not over the top. Guessed older CA Syrah. Fun to try.
Tasted blind. Scarlet purple core and very opaque. Herbal nose. Notes of plum, Provençal herbs, a little kirsch. Big in the palate but not over the top. Guessed older CA Syrah. Fun to try.
Jul 13th, 2020A few wines from last week’s 4th Friday event!
One of the best Cayuse Grenache I’ve ever had. So much lift and perfumed soy, iron, smoked brisket, spicy red fruits on the nose. Classic whole cluster. I assumed it had to be near 100% (and it is). Rich yet nimble on the palate, carrying currant, black tea, black cherries, crunchy cranberries and green stem. Wonderful acidity here. This is in the zone right now. Killer bottle from @Keith Fisher .
A few wines from last week’s 4th Friday event!
One of the best Cayuse Grenache I’ve ever had. So much lift and perfumed soy, iron, smoked brisket, spicy red fruits on the nose. Classic whole cluster. I assumed it had to be near 100% (and it is). Rich yet nimble on the palate, carrying currant, black tea, black cherries, crunchy cranberries and green stem. Wonderful acidity here. This is in the zone right now. Killer bottle from @Keith Fisher .
The 2012 Cayuse 'God Only Knows' Grenache is an ethereal wine by this estate. This incredible wine possesses classic Walla Walla mineral characteristics on the nose, along with ripe red cherries, raspberries, sage, rose petals, lavender, and blood orange all coming together beautifullt. On the palate the range of flavors at play is tremendous as it developing enticing flavors of raspberry, Unmami, Shitake mushroom, crushed wet rock, boysenberry, pomegranate seed and crushed white wildflowers. The structure of the wine makes it nearly impossible to resist as everything expands seamlessly on to the ultra-long finish, which is absolutely astonishing. This Grenache becomes even more rich and aromatically present following extended air contact. Simply put, this is nothing short of a scintillating release by Christophe Baron that shows incredible tension, minerality and richness in this near perfect vintage. Drink 2019-2030- 99
The 2012 Cayuse 'God Only Knows' Grenache is an ethereal wine by this estate. This incredible wine possesses classic Walla Walla mineral characteristics on the nose, along with ripe red cherries, raspberries, sage, rose petals, lavender, and blood orange all coming together beautifullt. On the palate the range of flavors at play is tremendous as it developing enticing flavors of raspberry, Unmami, Shitake mushroom, crushed wet rock, boysenberry, pomegranate seed and crushed white wildflowers. The structure of the wine makes it nearly impossible to resist as everything expands seamlessly on to the ultra-long finish, which is absolutely astonishing. This Grenache becomes even more rich and aromatically present following extended air contact. Simply put, this is nothing short of a scintillating release by Christophe Baron that shows incredible tension, minerality and richness in this near perfect vintage. Drink 2019-2030- 99
Feb 14th, 2019
A lovely gift from @David L. Thank you sir! Different from the French expression. Looks like a Pinot in the glass. Ethereal presence on the palate. Notes of tobacco, bay leaf, cinnamon and cola. Palate is consistent with the nose. Finishes very sweet with saddle leather notes. Very nice example.
A lovely gift from @David L. Thank you sir! Different from the French expression. Looks like a Pinot in the glass. Ethereal presence on the palate. Notes of tobacco, bay leaf, cinnamon and cola. Palate is consistent with the nose. Finishes very sweet with saddle leather notes. Very nice example.
Nov 22nd, 2018
Cayuse was called for after a long week at the office which consisted of tastings at Larkmead and Skipstone (not to mention tasting each barrel of 2016 Theorem) and visits to our two new vineyard sites (Moon Mountain and Dry Creek). The highlight of the week, though, was my first working lunch at Diavola in Geyserville. I get it now... anytime close and it’s mandatory.
As for this Cayuse... the 2011 God Only Knows Grenache comes from a 7 acre parcel of the Armada Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley. The other 25 acres or so are planted to Syrah. While close to being ready immediately, an hour open really helps it work out the kinks, which should almost be expected for a wine this exotic. At its core it is kirsch infused with fresh cracked pepper, forest floor, and Herbes de Provence, with a pure minerality that adds just enough acid, but not too much that it keeps the Strawberry from shaking its ass. Stunning.
Cayuse was called for after a long week at the office which consisted of tastings at Larkmead and Skipstone (not to mention tasting each barrel of 2016 Theorem) and visits to our two new vineyard sites (Moon Mountain and Dry Creek). The highlight of the week, though, was my first working lunch at Diavola in Geyserville. I get it now... anytime close and it’s mandatory.
As for this Cayuse... the 2011 God Only Knows Grenache comes from a 7 acre parcel of the Armada Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley. The other 25 acres or so are planted to Syrah. While close to being ready immediately, an hour open really helps it work out the kinks, which should almost be expected for a wine this exotic. At its core it is kirsch infused with fresh cracked pepper, forest floor, and Herbes de Provence, with a pure minerality that adds just enough acid, but not too much that it keeps the Strawberry from shaking its ass. Stunning.
