12/16/2022 - ScottG wrote:

Compelling upon open. Olive, meat, good complexity. Very savory. Very enjoyable on it’s own but low acidity made it a poor pairing with braised shortribs provencale.

6/7/2015 - ScottG Does not like this wine:

Also known as a "study of american oak". Sweet Oak flavors dominate this wine and not in a positive way IMO. Vanilla, followed by a minty dill pickle barrel flavor. Some dark berry fruit underneath but over shadowed by barrel notes

7/15/2014 - ScottG wrote:

There was just way to much bell pepper in this wine to be enjoyable. Oak and bell pepper were the two prominent flavors. I found it interesting intellectually but couldn't enjoy it.

8/18/2013 - ScottG Likes this wine:

Not a Riesling expert by any stretch, but interesting to see this show what I believe is some evolution under screw cap. Petrol on the nose with graphite and flinty notes. Definitely a bigger Kabinett with some melon and lemon notes. Big hit of RS, but acidity is enough to keep it from cloying.

2/12/2012 - ScottG wrote:

drank at crush. Decanted for 30 before first glass. Muted at first, becoming more powerful as night went on. Dark berries, some definite oak spice, but mostly in balance. Dense wine, staining, but never heavy or syrupy. Somehow seems to avoid being ott.

10/5/2011 - ScottG wrote:

First taste at cellar temp: This is a wonderful wine, for those that love them some stewed fruit. Nose of blackberry and prune. Disjointed and and a bit clipped on the palate, a bit raisiny. Some minty. Blueberry. Amarone like, but not sure in a good way. Will see if it improves as it warms a bit.

6/11/2011 - ScottG wrote:

This is drinking very well, particularly after a short opening up period. Initially was a bit bordeaux like- earthy, piney, tarry. But quickly opened into a more classic beaucastel profile of dark fruit, earth, and herbs. Drinks very nicely now, but lots of fruit left and I think will continue to age well.

1/10/2011 - ScottG wrote:

Not sure why I keep drinking ESJ's so young. This was very good, but could use more time, IMO.

1/9/2011 - ScottG wrote:

What's not to like about this? I think $18 at costco and is nice wine that tastes like it is supposed to. A blend of Puligny and Merseult fruit- smells like other Puligny's I have tasted, with a touch of a (for lack of better descriptors) match-heady, diesel nose- a hint of VA. Lemon Cake with nice acidity, nice minerality, and moderate complexity. A strong entry level Puligny went well with food and continued to provide interesting well after dinner.

12/18/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Ok. Perhaps sqn is a victim of their own success to a degree. Perhaps sqn syrahs are are typecast or too quickly stereotyped. When I choose one to open I am in the mood for a big, sexy, mouth filling syrah. That is what my experience with these wines leads me to expect. That is what i expected here as well. Not so. Being my first taste of labels, i can't say that if it was simply in an awkward or closed state. All i know is that this was strictly an average drink. Had the the visual signature of sqn... A dark purple, viscous syrah, but without the deep fruit, powerful aromas, and long finish. A much more restrained profile still dark fruit dominated, with black cherry and sour blackberry notes. Very little change in 2 hours. No off notes or tca detected, just an average wine.

8/27/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Hmm. 3/4 though a case, this is the worst bottle by far, and didn't come around over 4 hours. Lacked any freshness and was just sort of flat. Wife thought it might be mildly corked, but the screwcap should prevent that... Just sort of blah

8/8/2010 - ScottG wrote:

We had a bottle of this in Spain and enjoyed it- Not sure I would call it as temperanillo as it was in a bit more fleshy style- more garnacha like in profile- althought this is not a riserva wine and I don't drink a lot of young temperanillo. Stumbled on this at the Spanish table and decided to experiment to see how much of our enjoyment of this wine was situational- everything tastes better on vacation- and how much was really about the wine being good. First of all- I cannot for certain guarantee that this was the same vintage we had- The photo of the lable in spain doesn't show a vintage- which is odd as the labels in the US clearly do- wonder if there is a different European label- I seem to think it was 2006, 2007 has been the current vintage on the shelf here since December.. Long story short, this bottle seemed a bit less garnacha like- Less spicy berry notes, a bit more refinement- in general. Certainly a solid and pleasurable wine and a decent value, but not super interesting to buy a lot of them. Would buy again for an everyday crowd pleaser type of wine.

6/11/2010 - ScottG wrote:

OK. I admit the first whiff of an open bottle of VT can sometimes confuse me- Had to let a small glass sit for a bit and get a second opinion to make sure this was not corked. But that did blow off- Seemed pretty tight still, so took a run through a vinturi aerator and then decanted back into the bottle (NO, I have NO idea if the vinturi makes any difference- this is about perception, not the scientific method). Still a ton of power and structure here- very classic old school CdP and distinctively VT once it started opening up. Some funky barnyard and that sappy/piney/earthy nose. Very dark fruit- A really nice wine even on a ROOT day- needs more time to the tune of 3-5 years though.

6/11/2010 - ScottG wrote:

open to the point of flamboyance- sometimes seemed a touch too open to the tune of flabby as opposed to just slutty, but mostly retained enough acid to remain fresh. Drank next to the 98 wihich made the 98 seem super restrained in comparison. First release

6/11/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Needs more time to evolve and open up. Has so much potential still. A powerful pegau. Drank next to the flamboyantly open 99 (first release), which really highlighted the structure and power of the 98 in comparison.

6/1/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Tannins and oak still pretty strong upon opening- oak especially with the pork dish I made for wife's birthday (knew it would be a stretch regardless of the wine's evolution, but tried it anyway) But after dinner this became much more integrated and the black/blue berry fruit started coming out to be in balance with the oak. Still needs a few years, but drinking well with some air.

5/31/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Solid acidity, subtle citrus and apple notes with a crisp clean finish. Nice food wine and good fresh summer wine.

5/31/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Just picked up 6 months worth of wine from Garagiste- have to say I have been pleasantly surprised with the wines i have opened up so far- this one, perhaps being the nicest surprise. Nice little syrah- reminds me of a solid mid-range crozes hermitage- good syrah character, didn't take note of any actual descripters, but would buy more at $10.

5/31/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Brought to a friend's BBQ- No notes, but remember that this was a pleasant fruit driven wine- folks liked it- solid value at $15.

5/10/2010 - ScottG Likes this wine:

Not as good as last time I had it. Seemed thinner and a bit tired in comparison. Otherwise notes are consistent. The food pairing may have been too powerful- braised shortribs provencal- maybe shoulda pulled a rhone instead.

5/7/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Nose of very earthy cherry. Tastes like a hot vintage wine- or at least you can taste that this is one of the hotter (or hottest, I can't recall) barbaresco vineyards that Produttori sources from (Rabaja being the other hottest, IIRC). Some (slightly) sour cherry, but also some sur maturite slightly raisined notes. Pretty big wall of tannins on the finish still, particularly as the wine aired a bit. A nice wine, but definitely not my absolute preferred style or barbaresco. If I had more, I wouldn't open for a while yet to see if the tannins resolve a bit more.

5/3/2010 - ScottG wrote:

This is really lovely stuff- very well balanced and delicious with and without food. Has a nice floral, dark fruit entry, but fruit manages to draw a nice line between bold and elegant- finish of earth, pencil lead, chocolate, and tar.

4/30/2010 - ScottG wrote:

My first Armada and didn't disappoint. A little mute at first but really came alive with that delicious red fruit, pepper, spicy syrah finish- Some blackberry and licorice on the front with a little bit of black olive brine. Really nice- the 07 barrel sample I had remains the best US syrah I have ever had- better than Atlantis and Raven (only SQN's I have had). This wasn't in that league, but you could certainly see the lineage and this *tasted* like syrah.

3/8/2010 - ScottG wrote:

3 bottle of this- I actually bought them by mistake a few years back thinking they were the other Plaisance (st emilion). Doh- damn online ordering. The first bottle was horrible young, however this has become drinkable. Dominated by herbaciousness and green pepper though, so if you don't care for those notes, I would stay away.

3/6/2010 - ScottG wrote:

The last time I tried this it was alll sawdust and heat. Based on this bottle, I would guess that the last bottle was either corked enough to strip the fruit but not enough to be obviously corked, or it was closed down hard. This bottle was much much better particularly after a bit of air, but it still doesn't do that much for me. This has some light cherry fruit and some hint of spicy syrah notes, but still has a good deal of oak notes. Seems fairly resolved, but guessing it can go 3-5 more years. On the value scale this is a bust. Frankly an inexpensive cru bordeaux is more interesting to me.

2/27/2010 - ScottG wrote:

I know the 2002 vintage is somewhat of a re-headed step child, but we enjoyed this wine and the value it provided at $20. Much rather drink this any night of the week vs. some domestic producers equally priced kitchen sink blend table wine. Tastes like bordeaux- with tar, cedar, and lead notes- some herbal and earth and some light cherry and cassis fruit. Enough acidity and overall structure to pair nicely with a meal.

1/31/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Solid, but unimpressive brunello. cherry driven fruit with a bit of tarry dark berry character. A bit muddy and never really knitted together. Decent dinner wine- drank with chicken marsala.

1/31/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Still a fair bit of potential, but needs more time to try and come around. Dense core of cherry fruit, but disjointed on the palate and slightly hot on the finish. Plenty of tannin.

1/21/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Fun wine. Really high toned red fruit- my first thought was actually pink grapefruit, of all things. Tart red plums, cranberry with some spicy notes thrown in. Not complex in anyway, but a fun drink. Not oaky at all (only mentioned due to australian origin) and fun drink with lots of juicy acidity.

1/20/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Needs a lot more time at least. Brooding fruit and strong, somewhat abrasive tannins. Worried that this is more extracted than necessary.

1/18/2010 - ScottG wrote:

Very solid at this point- still plenty of oaky/toasty/coffee notes on the nose- those will integrate better with some time I think. Lush blackberry and dark cherry fruit, hint of licorice- still plenty of tannin. Full bodied with a strong fruit packed finish. Consumed with grilled steaks and cabbage.

1/9/2010 - ScottG wrote:

My last bottle and the best drink- this as really opened up over the last couple of years and is drinking superbly- Very red fruit driven, aromatically very open- tannins resolved, but good acidity. just a delicious fruit driven drink- great complement to prime ny steaks from the grill and I think at peak.

12/26/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Damn. I wanted to hate this so I could dump the rest at profit. But this was too good to hate. Big and powerful from the cork pop, but never spoofilated, over-ripe, or alcoholic. Recognizable as syrah, complex, long, and delicious.

11/21/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Developing nicely, needs more time. continued developing over the evening. I would continue to hold and check back in a few years

10/25/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Really coming around. I am really glad I didn't give up on Cayuse when I tasted the first couple early on. These really turn into pretty wines with lots of intrigue. This is just beginning to get to a good window- I will drink my last bottle in 2012.

10/25/2009 - ScottG wrote:

pretty much a pop and pour. Tasted at the tail end of a braised short ribs meal. Clearly open and expressive on the nose with lovely high toned herb, spice, and meaty notes- touch of iodine and blood. Still a bit closed on the palate, but clearly wants to come out- some red fruit, touch of licorice, and lots of pepper on the finish. really pleasant and interesting wine.

9/27/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Hmm. Wish I had all of the bottles back of this. This has clearly come around and is going to get nicer still- Seems to have dramatically improved over the past few months even.

9/27/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Clearly outclassed by the 99. A nice wine, but not a lot rougher around the edges and not as well endowed in general.

9/27/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Coming around really nicely. Clearly has some aged character- cigar box, tobacco, etc, but still nice core of dark fruit as well. Has plenty of time to go- but is decent to drink now.

8/16/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Drank at Troquet in Boston. Decanted and consumed over a two hour period. This is very tight and a bit backward in general right now. Dense with tongue coating, but not searing, tannins. Some hints of black fruit towards the end of the meal, but not a wine to be touched for several years based on this tasting. Was hoping for a bit more love from the young CdP- do see a good deal of potential here.

8/4/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Solid cotes du rhone. structured enough to age a couple of years.

7/23/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Drank at the met with 42 day aged prime ribeye. Can't say that QC doesn't love their oak- Lots of toasty oak notes on this. Does have a pretty nose that has some of he QC violet profile. This is actually drinking pretty well right now- has some elegance, some very pretty blueberry and currant notes- most of the grape tannis are nicely polished, but has some sawdust at the finish. Wish it wasn't quite so aggressive with the oak, but this was really enjoyable overall.

7/2/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Not ready yet. Decanted and consumed over two hours. With dinner (flank steak) and after. Never quite integrated, showed flashes of a good nose-a very *clean* beaucastel with brooding dark fruit, herbs, iron. Palate never fully stitched together- quite tannic still, medium bodied, with dark fruit profile, spice. I suggest sitting on these for another couple of years until the wine comes together more.

6/28/2009 - ScottG wrote:

No decant. Nice from the get go- stayed strong for the two hour period it was consumed- Color showing dark, slightly brickish red. Black olives, iodine, herbs on the nose. Lovely resolved palate- still some red cherry fruit left, with medium complexity. Solid finish. This is drinking very well right now- would guess at peak.

6/27/2009 - ScottG wrote:

A solid washington cab. dark fruit profile with a black cherry prominent and some coffee, dark chocolate, and charred toast notes. Possible room to last 3-5 years. A nice wine, but nothing exciting or unique about it, but probably fairly priced at closer to $30 vs $40.

6/8/2009 - ScottG wrote:

This was either extremely tight and never opened up or there just isn't much there. I will wait on the last bottle, but my feeling is that a st joseph like this shouldn't go so dumb... but then again, what do I know?

6/4/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Very enjoyable Grenache- Spicy, cherry and plummy red fruit- A definite new world fruit driven profile vs a more earthy Old world, but recognizable as grenache. More refined than many of the cheap spanish garnacha's but not sure it is a better deal. Glad I bought some though.

6/1/2009 - ScottG wrote:

dang. I thought I had 3 of these left- pulled in haste as I needed a winner after opening a corked syrah from another producer. Need a CT kiosk in the cellar I guess. Cheap netbook here I come!
In any case- what I love best about the Cayuse wines I have had is that at first smell and taste you know what they are. There is an unmistakeable syrah character. This really needed a couple more years to round out, it is still a bit to brawny and needs to digest a bit more oak (doesn't really have that much- just more than I prefer right now)- but it has that beautiful spicy, blackberry, meaty character that I really find typical of GOOD syrah. None of that blueberry milkshake stuff.

6/1/2009 - ScottG wrote:

OK. Opened and given about 2 hours to air and warm to room temp. Drank over the next three hours with and after a steak dinner. Nose is nicely evolved- lots of cigar box, leather, and some light florals. Palate is dense and still fairly tannic- very little fruit flavors, though- lots of tar and dark chocolate type flavor, etc. Enjoyable overall but a bit rough and the lack of fruit is a concern. Possibly there is still some improvement left in this (we will see, I have two left) but I can't shake that I would get much more pleasure from a $20 Right Banker.

5/17/2009 - ScottG wrote:

Drank with Copper River Salmon. This is "just right" in terms of bottle age- nicely resolved, a good well-rounded wine drinking at peak. Hopefully this wasn't really my last bottle...