As I write this, it shocks me how few wine writers write about the ‘God Only Knows.' Not to be negative, but that to be quite a shame. I try not to keep track of other reviews of the wines I try, but sometimes it is hard not to. It absolutely floors me that the ‘God Only Knows’ does not consistently receive higher scores from other wine reviewers. As someone who reviews roughly two thousand wines each year, the question becomes what wine is better than the ‘God Only Knows’ in terms of novelty, flavor/aromatic range, texture, and tension? Simply put, the ‘God Only Knows’ is in a league of its own and it is truly the one of best Grenache wines in the world, rivaling that of Rayas, Clos du Pape, Pegau and Beaucastel. While I love Sin Que Non Grenache and its viscous, seductive style, I do not think that it is able to attain this level of aromatic and flavor range.
I had the chance to taste the 2016 Cayuse ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine (WWB, 99) on two occasions. Both times I embarked on a mind-bending voyage into the stony terroir of Christophe Baron’s playground. I am consistently floored with the aromatic and flavor range imparted with this stunning bottling. These wines can be very difficult to find, and are only sold online on auction or through the Cayuse mailing list. Learn more about these wines at https://cayusevineyards.com/static/ Here is my review of the scintillating 2016 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine.
2016 Cause Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine ($100.00)- The 2016 ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine is a magical, one of a kind wine, that flirts with perfection. The wine was entirely aged in neutral barrels prior to bottling. The nose is gratifying and intoxicating with red rose petals that mingle with guava puree, Hoisin sauce, green peppercorns, Umami and white truffle that all sing in the glass. The aromatic range imparted is just remarkable. The texture is hugely gratifying as this silky wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Impeccably balanced, the Grenache displays seaweed, blood orange zest, black truffle shavings, and guava puree with a bright minerality and stony character that all all evolve on the palate. The exceedingly long finish lingers. While a delight to savor at this juncture, this beautiful new wine will evolve well over the next decade. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Drink 2019-2029- 99