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.
Crimson in color. 13.8% ABV. Savory nose of dark fruits, olive brine, smoked meats and flowers. Medium body with perfect acidity. Rich and polished. Tremendous structure and concentration. Cherries, blood, olive tapenade and minerals on the palate. The finish is long and silky. Singular wine that has aged beautifully. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 96 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.