Cayuse was founded in 1997 by Christophe Baron, a native of France who grew up in family of winemakers in Champagne. Baron studied viticulture in Burgundy and Champagne, and had ambitions to make Pinot Noir in Oregon. However, on a visit to Walla Walla he found property that he believed would be perfect for growing grapes and decided to purchase the land.
En Cerise Vineyard was planted in 1998. Translated from French, it means cherry – appropriate as the site was a former orchard.
Crimson in color with some bricking on the edge of the glass. 14.3% ABV. Great nose of cherries, meat, olives and iron. Full bodied with nice acids and a great mouthfeel. Gob of cherries on the palate with game, blood, soy and tea. En Cerise has and always will be about cherries. Aging gracefully. Super finish. Drink over the next few years. Thrilling wine.
My rating: 95 points.
The waiting list for the Cayuse mailing list is huge and you need to be well-connected to get a bottle via retail. Either way, current vintages are worth the hunt!
I blogged about Cayuse previously in The Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings, Cayuse 2014 Release Party and Winery Mailing Lists: The Fab 5.
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