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. Elizabeth Bourcier is the Vigneron at Cayuse.
Made by Christophe as a tribute to Cote Rotie and coming from a blend of estate vineyards, the 2012 Syrah Wallah Wallah #4 Special spent 22 months in older puncheons and neutral smaller barrels before being bottled only in Magnum, of which there’s only 2,500 to go around.
Ruby red in color. 13.6% ABV. Savory nose of red fruits, roasted herbs and smoked meats. Medium body with just the right amount of acidity. Exceptionally smooth and approachable. Any funk that may have been present in years past has completely dissipated. Cherry, bacon fat, olive tapenade and cracked pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. I’ve been on the Cayuse mailing list forever but this was my first time having a bottle 13 years removed from the vintage and I could not have been more pleased. Gotta love the magnum format! Best over the next 3-4 years.
My rating: 97 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, 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.