The Cayuse Syrah Armada Vineyard 2019 stands as an exquisite testament to the prowess of Cayuse Vineyards and the creative genius of winemaker Christophe Baron. Born from the unique terroir of Walla Walla Valley AVA in Washington State, this Syrah exemplifies extraordinary complexity and depth rarely encountered.
As envisioned by critics, the Cayuse Syrah Armada Vineyard 2019 unveils itself in layers of richness and nuance. A symphony of dark fruits, including blackberries and blueberries, entwines with alluring smoked meat, ground pepper, and iron notes. The palate embarks on a medium to full-bodied journey, a canvas painted with firm tannins that gracefully blend with integrated acidity, culminating in a salivating finish that marries salinity and minerality.
Jeb Dunnuck’s 98-point appraisal recognizes the wine’s potential for prolonged aging, projecting 20-25 years of prime enjoyment. The Wine Advocate, represented by its 97-point rating, describes the Syrah’s evolution from its tightly structured inception into a refined masterpiece with savory and umami intricacies.
Owen Bargreen’s 97 points commend the wine’s vibrancy, concentration, and mouth-watering acidity. A parade of red and dark fruits mingle with stony minerals and whispers of white pepper-dusted bacon, while James Suckling’s 95-point sentiment highlights its cool profile, red fruit, and cocoa expressions.
Vinous’ 95 points articulate the Syrah’s dark, woodsy essence, with wild berries, smoky herbs, and savory spices interwoven with gripping tannins and vibrant acidity. Wine Spectator’s 94 points celebrate its distinctive blueberry and huckleberry flavors, elevated by smoky meat and espresso undertones.
The Cayuse Syrah Armada Vineyard 2019, praised with a myriad of accolades, captures the essence of its terroir and the craftsmanship of its makers. With its harmonious balance, stunning aromas, and dynamic flavors, this Syrah promises an experience that evolves over years of thoughtful appreciation.
JD –
The 2019 Armada comes from a higher density planting just beside the estate, and it’s always a more dense, backward wine. Darker, black fruits, smoked meat, ground pepper, iron, and just subtle bloody, meaty nuances emerge from this beauty, and it’s medium to full-bodied on the palate, with building, firm tannins, wonderfully integrated acidity, and a great finish that makes you salivate due to its sense of salinity and minerality. It needs plenty of air if drinking any time soon but is another tour de force in Rocks Syrah! It has 20-25 years of prime drinking ahead of it.
JS –
A lovely nose of plum, gravel and sweet tobacco. Wonderfully balanced and supple on the palate. Medium-to full-bodied with gentle tannins. Cool profile. Rather graceful expressions of red fruit and cocoa. So charming. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
OB –
A vibrant wine that shows great verve and concentration from this slightly cooler vintage. Right away the nose is very alluring with soy sauce, forest floor, white truffle and Mandarin orange rind with red cherry candy… With loads of mouth-watering acidity, this is exceedingly difficult to put down. Concentrated red and dark fruits parade with stony minerals, and suggestions of white pepper dusted bacon on the palate. Complex and delicious, this is one of the great wines made in 2019. Drink 2022-2032.