A standout wine in Washington, the Cayuse ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine is a one of a kind special bottling made by Walla Walla wine pioneer, Christophe Baron and his talented assistant vigneronne, Elizabeth Bourcier. Christophe Baron was youngest heir of the famed Champagne house, Baron Albert and his ancestors had worked the land at Baron Albert since 1677. As he grew older, Christophe studied viticulture in Burgundy and Champagne and was drawn to the Willamette Valley, with its closeness to the terroir driven Pinots of Burgundy. Christophe spent some time traveling the world before purchasing some land outside of Walla Walla in Milton-Freewater, and first planted his vines in 1997 as the land reminded him of the terroir of Chateauneuf du Pape. His wine has gained international acclaim since first bursting onto the Washington wine scene. In 2001 the Armada Vineyard was planted, which is the source for the 'Armada Vineyard' Syrah, 'Edith' Grenache Rosé and the 'God Only Knows' Grenache. In 2013 Cayuse did not label the 'God Only Knows' as Grenache and is instead labeled as a red wine. This wine is truly one of the most gorgeous wines made in Washington state.
The 2013 'God Only Knows' Red Wine is so profound that it is hard to describe. This wine follows up the simply scintillating 2012 Cayuse 'God Only Knows' Grenache. The 2013 shows a darker fruit profile than the 2012. As the wine developed in the decanter over several hours, the aromatic and flavor range became even more expressive. One thing I have noticed over the years is the wonderful rocky terroir combined with the red fruit and citrus profiles in this wine. There is literally nothing out there that I have tried like the 'God Only Knows.' This is a collector's bottle. These wines are incredibly difficult to find. I highly recommend that you try to find these online, as wine shops sell them, as Cayuse wines are typically only available through their mailing list (long wait list currently) or online wine shops. There are great special occasion bottles that are sure to impress. Learn more about Cayuse at https://cayusevineyards.com/static/ Here is my review of the 2013 ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine by Cayuse Vineyards.
2013 Cayuse 'God Only Knows' Red Wine- Following up the nothing short of insane 2012 release by Cayuse, the 2013 'God Only Knows' Red Wine is another stunner from the superstar winemaking team of Christophe Baron and Elizabeth Bourcier. Having a translucent core this wine has simply intoxicating aromatics of blood orange, Umami, horse manure, wet stone and suggestions of red cherry syrup. The tension and minerality to this wine is simply stunning considering the obvious heat of the vintage. Satsuma orange rind, Umami, bulls blood, rose water, white pepper and gobs of minerality. The tension is hugely compelling, literally gripping, as is the exceedingly long finish. The flavor and aromatic range continue to evolve following two hours in the decanter. Sexy, exotic, moving and feminine, this gorgeous red wine will cellar beautifully for the next decade. Drink 2017-2028- 97