Ratings & Tasting Notes:
99+ points Wine Advocate
Review Date: 06/2017
From the highest density vineyard planted under the Cayuse label, the 489-case 2014 Syrah Armada Vineyard is about as umami and earthy as it gets. Smoke, fireplace, mushroom, black cherry, currants and olive notes all emerge from this rich, backward, tight and structured Syrah that has incredible purity of fruit, a saline/bloody, meaty character that develops with time in the glass, and tons of tannic bite on the finish. Forget this incredible wine for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades. (JD) 99+
97 points Int’l Wine Review
Review Date: 08/2017
The Armada Vineyard Syrah was sourced from a high density vineyard, named after the Spanish Armada. Christophe Baron has found that the more vines per acre leads to more tension in the wines. The Syrah spent 8 months in 15% new French oak prior to bottling. The result is a gorgeous, inky colored Syrah, that opens to profound aromatics of blackberry pie, green peppercorn, umami, soy sauce, black tea and barn floor, which continually bring you back to the glass. The salinity and tension of this wine is remarkable, as flavors of sea salt, umami, soy sauce, peat moss are layered with red cherries and raspberry liquor. The elegant quality of this wine is simply alluring, making this sensational Syrah one of the most impressive wines from the region. (OB)
Cult Wines International Notes:
Cayuse Vineyards, established by French-born vigneron Christophe Baron, is one of the most storied estates in the Walla Walla Valley. Baron, a Champagne native, famously discovered the property in 1996 while stumbling upon a field of softball-sized basalt cobblestones that reminded him of the revered soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Despite skepticism from locals who thought the land was useless, Baron planted his first vines in 1997, pioneering a focus on low-yield, biodynamically farmed fruit. The “Armada” vineyard, specifically, was planted in 2001 and is renowned for its high-density spacing, which forces the vines to struggle and creates the signature depth, savory umami, and “liquid rock” mineral quality that have become the hallmarks of the Cayuse style.
The 2014 growing season in the Walla Walla Valley was one of the warmest on record, characterized by an exceptionally early start and consistent, stable heat throughout the summer. Following a dry winter and a warm spring that led to advanced bud break and flowering, the season progressed with rapid accumulation of heat units. However, the vintage was saved from becoming overly hot or jammy by a crucial cooling trend in September, which allowed for a perfect balance between phenolic ripeness and natural acidity. For the 2014 Armada Syrah, these conditions resulted in a wine of immense concentration and power, framed by the estate’s characteristic savory notes of cured meats, crushed olives, and wet stone, all held together by the vibrant, racy energy typical of a near-perfect growing year.
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.
Condition:
Outstanding condition.
Please note: The condition of the bottle you will receive is accurately reflected by the one shown in the images.
