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 2011 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard is 100% Grenache 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.
Ruby red in color. 13.1% ABV. Savory nose of red fruits, olive brine and bacon fat. Medium to full bodied with medium acidity. Serious Grenache with layers upon layers of compelling flavors. Strawberry, smoked meat, saline and minerals on the palate. The finish is long and seamless. Not too far afield from Cayuse and No Girls but there is a degree of complexity here that takes this wine to another level. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 97 points.
The Christophe Baron portfolio, known as Bionic Wines, includes Cayuse, Horsepower , No Girls, Hors Categorie and Champagne Christophe Baron. 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 2020 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings, Winery Mailing Lists: The Fab 5 and Cayuse Vineyards – Better than Ever.
Lastly, Cayuse Release Weekend is back in 2023 after a three year break because of the pandemic. The event is happening April 7th and 8th and I can’t wait.