Ratings & Tasting Notes:
97 points Int’l Wine Review
Review Date: 12/2020
The 2017 Armada VIneyard Syrah is simply stunning. This gorgeous Syrah slowly begins to release complex nuances of plums and boysenberries which are laced with dried violets, orange peel, dried spices, white pepper. black tea leaf, wet stones and hints of wet earth all coming together to form the striking aromatics. On the palate this medium-plus bodied red is simply gorgeous, as it expands seamlessly, showing a gorgeous round, finessed mouthfeel that possesses wonderful vribrance and percision. This is beautifully balanced with excellent depth, leading to fresh flavors of wild berries, lavendar and dried spices that resonate through the finish. Winemaker Chrostophe Baron has crafted an sensational wine that is absolutely breathtaking today, however this beauty should also evolve gracefully over the course of the next decade. (JD)
97 points Wine Advocate
Review Date: 08/2020
The 2017 Syrah Armada Vineyard bursts out of the glass with complex and expressive aromas of blackberry, black tea, savory and umami tones of crushed black pepper, grilled meat and dried lilac and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is elegant and seamless on the palate, unfolding beautifully with precision and intention, offering up instant gratification in youth. The wine unfolds its wings across the mid-palate and takes flight, leading to the elongated and continually evolving finish, which grows in complexity and amplitude in the mouth. The 2017 is more approachable in youth than the 2016 vintage of the same bottling. If you enjoy wines in their youth, this vintage is a no-brainer. (AM)
Cult Wines International Notes:
Cayuse Vineyards, established in 1997 by Christophe Baron, is a singular force in the Walla Walla Valley, defined by Baron’s obsession with stony, “Galets”-rich terroir reminiscent of his native France. After discovering an ancient, cobble-strewn field that reminded him of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Baron founded the estate to prove that vines must struggle in harsh conditions to yield their most profound expressions. The Armada Vineyard, planted in 2001, is among the highest-density vineyards in the region, featuring exceptionally stony soil that forces deep root penetration. The Armada Syrah is crafted through a philosophy of minimal intervention—employing biodynamic farming, 100% estate-grown fruit, and slow aging in used Rostaing puncheons—resulting in a wine that is frequently cited as the most “Northern Rhône-like” Syrah produced in the United States, known for its intense savory, animal, and mineral character.
The 2017 growing season in the Walla Walla Valley was a welcome departure from the preceding streak of record-breaking heat, defined instead by a cooler, more measured pace. After a cold, wet winter and a slow spring that delayed bud break and bloom, the summer remained moderate, preventing the rapid accumulation of sugar that can often flatten acidity in warmer years. This extended “hang time” was critical for the Armada Vineyard, allowing the Syrah to develop complex phenolic ripeness while retaining the vibrant, mouthwatering acidity and “nervous” tension that are the hallmarks of Baron’s style. By providing a longer window for the grapes to mature on the vine, the 2017 season produced a wine of remarkable structural integrity and aromatic clarity, showcasing a classic, balanced elegance that remains a benchmark for the estate.
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.
