Better late than never! Christmas means drinking the good stuff! Here are the bottles I enjoyed over Christmas break in order:
Saturday Before:
2021 Antinori Tignanello
Tuscany, IT
Rating: 96/100
Review: A classic Tuscan beauty. This Cabernet Sauvignon blend bursts with ripe plum, cherries, and subtle earthy undertones. Young but a consistent winner imo.
Christmas Eve:
2015 Hors Categorie
Walla Walla, WA
Rating: 100/100
Review: A masterpiece of Syrah from Christophe Baron (Cayuse Vineyards). Rich, complex, and perfectly balanced with dark fruit, savory umami notes, and just a touch of signature rocks funk. Incredibly layered and unforgettable. The best wine I had in 2024.
2017 Cayuse The Lovers
Walla Walla, WA
Rating: 94/100
Review: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, offers a softer profile than other Cayuse wines. Red berries, herbs, and a hint of that iconic rocks funk create an approachable experience. If you love Cabs and want to try a Cayuse wine, I’d start here.
Christmas:
NV Veuve Clicquot
Champagne, FR)
Rating: 94/100
Review: Dependable and classic as always. Bright citrus, green apple, and toasty notes. Picked up for $49.99 at Costco, so why not.
2018 Cayuse Cailloux Vineyard
Walla Walla, WA
Rating: 98/100
Review: Another stunning Syrah with intense dark fruit, olive, and earthy undertones. Silky texture and a mineral-driven finish showcase the best of the rocks district. Pure Cayuse brilliance again.
2019 No Girls Grenache, La Paciencia Vineyard
Walla Walla, WA
Rating: 97/100
Review: Elegant! This Grenache shines with vibrant red fruit, spice, and floral hints. Great balance of earthiness and bright acidity makes it easy to drink. Classic Cayuse funk, this is the best showing of their No Girls line. Always a winner.
2019 Horsepower Grenache, Fiddleneck Vineyard
Walla Walla, WA
Rating: 99/100
Review: A near-perfect Grenache with wild strawberry, crushed rocks, and white pepper. Incredibly smooth but also complexity. Endless finish is the best way to put it. This is Cayuse’s best showing of their Horsepower line.
by Away-Definition3425
1 Comment
i’ve tried to enjoy Cayuse & Horsepower a few times & realize that the Funk is just not for me… it’s very feral & i find it overpowering. You can find that kind of barnyard brett in some old school Rhones but it’s in the background instead of upfront like these wines. Different strokes!