Published in November 2011
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the November 2011 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Showing 1 thru -9 of 1,458
Cayuse 2008 Bionic Frog Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
- $80
Initially a rather subdued Frog; as if it has been tamed down. Then, suddenly, There’s a plush core of blackberry fruit, and the classic Cayuse funkiness is there, drenched in liquid rocks and cured meat and drying tannins. It’s all in proportion and a fine reflection of the steely vintage. As it opens gracefully you discover that it is a stunningly refined Frog…
— P.G.
(11/1/2011)
Cayuse 2008 En Cerise Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
- Online Exclusive
- $70
A subtle, complex, utterly distinctive mix of flavors, with opening streaks of butter cookie, then mushroom broth, tightly wound berry fruit, earthy coffee grounds and even darker streaks of espresso and smoke and licorice. It is deeply layered with flavors that just keep piling on. Amazing wine.
— P.G.
(11/1/2011)
Von Strasser 2008 Reserve Red (Diamond Mountain)
- Cellar Selection
- $125
As good as the winery’s other 2008s are, this wine raises the stakes. It’s bone dry, deeply tannic and marked by classic varietal flavors of blackberries, cassis and dark chocolate, with sweet, smoky oak. Almost a food group in itself for its complexity, it’s dazzling now for its sheer luxurious deliciousness, yet is guaranteed to develop over at least the next 10 years.
— S.H.
(11/1/2011)
Cayuse 2008 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
- Online Exclusive
- $70
This is the only Cayuse Syrah that is co-fermented (with 8% Viognier), which adds nuances of white flower and floral, though the citrus rind scents override them. In the nose it’s hugely expressive, though still quite tight and compact in the mouth; it must be decanted. It’s a three ring circus of a wine, with things moving and shaking in all directions. Mineral…
— P.G.
(11/1/2011)
Cayuse 2008 Armada Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $75
Right out of the chute, the garrigue and wild herb flavors are amazing. This is Northern Rhône in a glass, but with New World power behind the fruit. Bright and pungent, a mix of herb and tart berry and rock. Still youthful, and already packed with nuance and flavor. There has never been a Cayuse vintage that needed to be cellared more than these 2008s; this is a…
— P.G.
(11/1/2011)
Merryvale 2008 Profile Red (Napa Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $165
A tremendous wine that shows how Merryvale is absolutely at the top of its game. Impeccable in structure, with refined tannins that are soft and firm at the same time, and a fine cut of acidity. Entirely dry, the Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend is awesome in blackberry, cherry, cassis and oak flavors, with complexities of anise, soy sauce, grilled meats and minerals…
— S.H.
(11/1/2011)
Penfolds 2004 Grange Shiraz
- Cellar Selection
- $500
A throwback to the monster Shiraz style of old, with loads of toasty, vanilla-laden oak, meaty nuances and driving, intense boysenberry fruit, the 2004 Grange should prove tremendously long-lived. Its massive concentration and firm tannins suggest cellaring through 2020, after which it should drink well for at least another decade or two.
— J.C.
(11/1/2011)
Cayuse 2008 Widowmaker Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $70
Superb sculpture and definition in this compact and lightly funky evocation of pure Cabernet Sauvignon. The deep, dense, super ripe berry flavors are framed within a bouquet of dried herbs, pepper, mineral, astringent tannins, and a crisp mix of earth, wood and plant flavors. Superb length and ageability.
— P.G.
(11/1/2011)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 1,458
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