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.
God Only Know is sourced from the Armada Vineyard. At 1815 vines per acre, the 7-acre site, planted in 2001, was the highest density planting in the Walla Walla Valley until 2008. Other wines from the vineyard include the Armada Syrah and Edith Grenache Rosé.
Blood red in color. 13.5% ABV. High toned nose of red fruits, olive brine, gamey meats and minerals. Medium body with nice acidity. Plush and silky with a core of concentrated fruit and less funk than a Cayuse fan would expect. Cherries, kirsch, garrigue, and raspberry liqueur on the palate. The finish on the wine is exceptional. Approachable now but I would likely decant my next bottle. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 94 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!
The Christophe Baron portfolio includes Cayuse, Horsepower , No Girls and Hors Categorie. Champagne Christophe Baron recently delivered their first release as well. I am not sure what is next on the horizon for Christophe but I look forward to being a part of it.
I blogged about Cayuse previously in The 2018 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings, Winery Mailing Lists: The Fab 5 and Cayuse Vineyards – Better than Ever.