The 2006 Cayuse Flying Pig was the wining bottle in the September Installment of Pick My Next Bottle.
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.
The fruit for Flying Pig is sourced from En Cerise Vineyard and the wine is Christophe’s take on Cheval Blanc.
I did not decant the wine.
Blood red in color. 14.5% ABV. 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot. Fantastic nose of graphite, grilled peppers and currants. Medium body with light to medium acidity. Plums, cherries, iron and cinnamon on the palate. Great finish on an absolutely stunning wine. I’m not sure this wine could get any better than it is right now. Drink over the next several years.
My rating: 96 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!
For more on Cayuse please see The Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings and Winery Mailing Lists: The Fab 5.
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