Today we share what is one of the most special and unique magnum only wines made in North America. The Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah’ Syrah is now in its eighteenth edition. The wine is the only Syrah in famed vigneron Christophe Baron’s Syrah lineup that comes from several of his biodynamically farmed vineyards. These locations are set on a mix of silty loam and basalt cobblestone topsoil with a layer of compacted cobblestones. The wine is stored for 18 months in a small portion of new French oak barrels. It is always a secret to the consumer which vineyards this wine comes from.
I have had nearly all editions of this wine and it is one of the most beguiling in the Cayuse lineup. It shows amazing bloody and iodine character typically, with amazing savory herb and Umami notes. This wine is made in every vintage.
Baron explained that this is one of his favorite wines to blend with the team. This is a wine that performs well even in tougher vintages like 2019 and 2020. If you can find this wine, it is a brilliant wine to share with friends. The new edition comes from the 2023 vintage. It is a perfect wine for my palate, with unprecedented flavor and aromatic range from this region. The wine has both stunning weight and finesse. It is a must-try wine for anyone in love with stony Syrah.
Learn more about this famed wine at https://cayusevineyards.com/static/ and here is my review of the 2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah Special #18’ Syrah
2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah Special #18’ Syrah- A stunning wine from the 2023 vintage, the Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah Special #18’ Syrah is a fabulous, complex and delicious 1.5L bottling by famed vigneron Christophe Baron and resident vigneronne Karin Gasparotti. Once on the nose this takes on layers of Umami, seaweed and oyster sauce that combine with blood orange zest, iodine, green peppercorns and shades of prosciutto. The stunning aromatics bring you back to the glass for more hedonistic enjoyment. The palate is lush and refined with a silky mouthfeel, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. This offers both impeccable balance and weight as this total masterclass is best enjoyed now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 100