Horsepower Vineyards was founded by Christophe Baron in 2011. At its core, Horsepower is about a vigneron working the vineyard with his horse. Horsepower is a return to Christophe’s roots. His family has worked their land in the Marne Valley of France since 1677. As recently as 1957 horses still did all of the vineyard cultivation.
The 2012 Syrah Sur Echalas Vineyard is 100% Syrah that comes all from a vineyard located just to the west of Cayuse’s Armada Vineyard. Planted to 4,840 vines per acre, it’s farmed completely by horse.
Crimson in color. 13.8% ABV. The smells literally wafts from the glass and fills the room. Savory nose of red fruits, seaweed, tapenade and flowers. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Tremendous texture and mouth feel. Plush and silky. Cherries, blood, gamey meats and cracked black pepper on the palate. The finish on the wine is exceptionally long. The first time I have had a Horsepower where I felt the premium to Cayuse was justified. Best over the next 5-7 years.
My rating: 98 points.
In years past I had a hard time paying up for Horsepower when No Girls and Cayuse seemed to be similar in style but substantially less expensive. I’d suggest, at least with this bottle, that this is what many No Girls and Cayuse aspire to be. I might have to reconsider joining the mailing list.