2011 Cayuse Vineyards Armada Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley

(98 Points  --  Wine Advocate)

The 2011 Syrah Armada Vineyard is spectacular, and one of the highlights of this tasting, bursting from the glass with aromas of dark chocolate, smoked duck, blackberries, licorice, cassis, burning embers, tapenade and cracked black pepper. On the palate, it's full-bodied, layered and mouthwateringly savory, with cool fruit tones, a lovely underlying line of acidity and plenty of youthful energy, concluding with a refined but gently tannic finish. The product of a cool vintage that many dismissed, Baron dropped 80% of his fruit and did a 20% saigné to produce this compelling wine that screams Syrah and Walla Walla—but also more than nods to the Northern Rhône. (WK)   Review Date: 06/2018