2022 Cayuse ‘Armada’ Syrah Walla Walla Valley

IWR100 A breathtakingly complex and deeply expressive wine, sourced from a densely planted site in the famed rocky soils of Walla Walla … This wine immediately captivates with its multifaceted aromatics—crushed black olives, Chinese five-spice, and charred game mingle with blood orange zest, black truffle, and wild huckleberry. The nose alone is a journey, evolving with every swirl of the glass. On the palate, the Syrah is both luxurious and precise, offering a seamless interplay of richness and tension. Layers of blackberry compote, smoked herbs, and salted plum unfold with a striking mineral intensity, while nuances of espresso and fennel seed add further intrigue. The stony, iron-laced backbone provides a sense of weightlessness despite the wine’s incredible depth, allowing the finely integrated tannins to glide effortlessly across the tongue. As it lingers, the finish reveals an endless tapestry of dark fruit, cured meats, and savory umami, tapering off with a whisper of crushed rock. This is Syrah at its most profound—wildly complex, structured yet graceful, and built for long-term aging. Outstanding. Highly recommended.

OB99 Green peppercorns and allspice dusted pork shoulder notes combine on the nose alongside Satsuma orange rind, soy sauce and shades of wild blackberry combine on this ultra-complex nose. The palate is refined and luxurious in terms of tension, depth and tension. Very rocky and mineral-laden, enjoy this beautifully bottling over the next eight to ten years.