WA Tasting trip Day 2: Cayuse, Gramercy, Spring Valley, More Cayuse?? and Jim German
Walla Walla, WA
Tasted Saturday, April 9, 2011 - Tuesday, April 12, 2011 by manonthemoon with 939 views
Introduction
Our first full day of tasting had to start at Walla Walla Roasters where the best coffee in the state resides, plus the pasteries are good as well. Cayuse was the first stop to beat the crowds, but little did we know they were up and at them prior to the doors opening at 10 am. Lunch was had at Dora's Cafe at the Worm Ranch, which is my favorite little place to eat in Walla Walla. Probably my favorite Mexican food anywhere and the jalopeno salsa is awesome.
Flight 1 - Cayuse (8 Notes)
The line was out the door and probably 150 people or so present when we tasted. There was also small appetizers provided by Nick's in McMinville OR, that were very good. The wine was excellent as could be expected and it was nice to finally meet "The frog", but a little more crowded than I typically like.
Flight 2 - Gramercy (6 Notes)
Greg, his wife, and Brandon were manning the newly opened tasting room along with Brandon's dog who was really friendly. Brandon poured us through most of the wines and gave us some more intimate insight into the operation and their winemaking goals. Greg was also around giving us some insight into this project and helping me locate some quality Champagne for a get together later on. Much more our style of tasting as the tasting room wasn't too crowded when we were there. Really enjoyed this stop, actually more than Cayuse which was just a little much for me, plus Greg's style is really becomming one of my favorites. Highly reccommend this winery.
Flight 3 - Spring Valley (6 Notes)
Stopped by here after going to WWWWW across the street for some bubbles. Always liked this tasting room and the wines are always solid with the Uriah leading the way. Plus I really like the family farm aspect to the operation, can't wait to actually tour the winery possibly next year.
Flight 4 - Bubbles and a Pig. (2 Notes)
No actual pigs were harmed, but lots of bubbles were consumed. Maybe next year I will have better aim.
Closing
Jim German was the destination after the after party for a little more to eat and a few more mixed drinks. Great day with too much wine, champagne, and too many mixed drinks and more charcuterie.
2008 Cayuse God Only Knows 93 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
(4/9/2011)
Tasted at the winery.
Nose of black raspberry, light game, cedar, floral.
Palate of red raspberries, bacon, roasted red pepper, light funk, spice.
Finish was Above average in length and there was really nice acidity present.
92-93
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2009 Cayuse Camaspelo 91 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
(4/9/2011)
Nose of blueberry, blackberry, light olive funk, and cinnamon.
Palate of mixed cherry, a touch of blueberry, tobacco, and spice showing.
Finish was above average in length, decent acidity and tannin present as well. 91-92
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2009 Cayuse Cabernet Sauvignon The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard 96 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
(4/9/2011)
Nose was strong with blueberry, mint, tobacco.
Palate of black cherry, blueberry, mint, tobacco, spice.
Finish was Long, really high acidity, clean and focused.
Our favorite of the tasting.95-97
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2009 Cayuse Syrah Cailloux Vineyard 92 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
(4/9/2011)
Tasted at the winery.
Nose of blueberry, game, little grape, funk, floral.
Palate of blueberry, black raspberry, wet stone, black pepper, bacon.
Finish is above average in length with good acidity. 92-94
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2009 Cayuse Syrah En Cerise Vineyard 94 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
(4/9/2011)
Tasted at the winery.
Nose was really nice with boysenberry, black cherry, funk, black olive, bacon.
Palate of blueberry, black cherry, meat, bacon, charcoal, pepper, spice.
Long finish and good mix of acidity and tannin. 93-95
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2009 Cayuse Syrah En Chamberlin Vineyard 96 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
(4/9/2011)
Tasted at the winery.
My favorite nose of major funk, smoke, mixed raspberries, dark cherry, a little mineral.
Palate of tart blueberry, dark cherry, funk, olive, pine resin, pepper.
The finish was long and the mouthfeel was thick, but not overbearing.
Impressive stuff, 95-96
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2009 Cayuse Syrah Bionic Frog 95 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
(4/9/2011)
Tasted at the winery.
Nose of Floral, funk, blueberry, herb, meat, smoke.
Palate of boysenberry, blackberries, funk, spice, olive, minerals, pepper.
Finish was long good mouthfeel, tannin, and acidity noted. 94-96
Impressive now, but a notch below the En Chamberlin at this point IMO.
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2008 Cayuse Syrah Armada Vineyard 91 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
(4/9/2011)
Tasted at the winery.
Nose of mint, flint, blueberry, blackberries, little meat.
Palate of black cherry, meat, olive, mineral, pepper.
Finish was AA in length, but overall this didn't feel as expressive as the other wines and probably needs time to show.
I wrote it felt burly or concentrated, but didn't really show enough for me on this day. For some reason the Armada wines have always left me wanting more with my limited experience of them. 91-92
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