April 14, 2016 - Tasted at Larry & Janet’s home. Not only was this a stunning vintage from Washington State, but with eleven years of cellar time, it truly sang on the palate! I am trying to give all of my Cayuse wines at least a decade years of cellar time which has at times proved to be almost impossible! After tasting, I believe this vintage could have remained in the bottle another ten years with no problems. Twenty four hours after decanting, there was much life left in the tasting.
Decanted for 2 hours
Color: Black ink
Aroma: blackberries, licorice and campfire smoke
Palate: dried meat, prunes, plums and green olives…just unbelievable texture.
The Temranillo had an excellent sixty second finish with very little “Cayuse funk”. It is simply a delicious wine now positioned in my to five Cayuse favorites. My only regret is that I wish I had six more bottles in my cellar aging to perfection!
February 1, 2016 - Interesting wine, as are all wines from Cayuse (I think). Decanted for 30 minutes. Started off a bit hot and oaky (cal cab??). But, after another hour, there were telltale signs of the Cayuse funk, although not as much as most other bottles. Nice nose otherwise of red fruit, spices, and some smoke. Not sure I would confuse this with a wine from Ribera del Duero, but it was still good.
February 9, 2013 - Lots of Cayuse funk. Blew off the second night, but this was just an ok bottle of Cayuse. Loved it 18 months ago, but glad it's my last one.
August 27, 2012 - Superb soft red fruit, and the Cayuse funk is even a bit understated. An elegant wine. Drinking very well.
August 8, 2012 - Although this wine retains the trademark Cayuse profile it was very middle weight to lighter bodied, but not in flavor. Really nice wine.
June 11, 2011 - Drinking nicely right now, but should still age beautifully. Big and powerful, yet has great complexity, and long finish.
November 13, 2009 - Another dark beauty from Chrsitophe. Cured meats, superconcentrated dark fruit, woodsmoke. Very good now but in 3-5 years I think it will be outstanding. 93pts.
November 7, 2009 - 09 cayuse dinner quick notes - just had a sip but these are sssoo good w/age. Tobacco leaf, sweet fruits, blood, funk.
December 3, 2008 - Red and black fruits on the nose with a distinct smokiness. Another powerful tempranillo. 93pts.
November 15, 2008 - quick notes from the wine dinner. coffee, brown sugar, blood, tobacco. Young but approachable. Man this wine is HUGE. I am so glad I got on the list for this!