WA Tasting trip Day 2: Cayuse, Gramercy, Spring Valley, More Cayuse?? and Jim German
Walla Walla, WA
Tasted April 9, 2011 - April 12, 2011 by manonthemoon with 938 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.
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
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
Palate of black cherry, blueberry, mint, tobacco, spice.
Finish was Long, really high acidity, clean and focused.
Our favorite of the tasting.95-97
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Palate of mixed raspberries, savory herbs, mineral.
Above average finish and nice acidity present. 91
Palate of tart blueberry, black plum, bacon, spice, and lots of mineral.
Long finish and good mouthfeel. 92-93
Palate of tart blueberry, floral, smoked meat, spice, black pepper.
The finish was long and this is a very refreshing style, very nice acidity noted.
This wine was one of our favorite of the trip. 92-94
Palate of cherry, current, raspberry, chocolate mushroom, lead, spice.
Really nice length on the finish, nice mouthfeel, and acidity. 92-93
Palate of red fruit, raspberry, cherry, spice.
Finish was average in length, decent mouthfeel. 89-90
Nose of funk, dark blackberry, blueberry, and some oak spice.
Palate of boysenberry, blackberry, ash, tar, funk, and spice.
Long finish with a good mouthfeel.
More forward of a style than the usual Gramercy. 93-94
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.
Palate of red raspberry, white pepper, oak, little heat and tannin.
Good acidity. 88-89
Palate of black raspberrt, cassis, spice, pepper, no bitterness and good finish.
Nice acidity as well. 90-91
Palate of blackberry and black raspberry, cigar, caramel, herb, spice.
Most balanced of the group with the best oak integration. 92-93
Palate of black berry, black cherry, spice, oak, tannin, some herb as well.
Big right now and needs time.89-90
Palate of blackberry, plum, flowers, leather, ink, white pepper and spice.
Heat shows a little and oak is also noticeable somewhat.89-90
Nose of Black fruit, a little olive, spice.
Palate of sour blueberry, black fruit, spice.
Finish is average and overall kind of simple.88-89
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.
Palate of lemon, citrus, chalk, minerals, yeast going on.
Decent finish and length.
The palate was strong with lush citrus, a little vanilla bean, yeast, brioche going on.
Long finish and good acidity to for this forward styled grower's bubbles. 91-92
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.