Cayuse Vineyards - 2017 - Walla Walla Special #11 - 1.5 L

Made only in magnum, the 2017 Syrah Wallah Wallah Special #11 comes from some of the exceptional vineyards that go into making some of the bottlings for Cayuse and Horsepower. Displaying with a pale ruby-colored edge, the wine unfolds its wings in the glass showing the elegance of Pinot Noir but with the savoriness of Syrah. Elements of crushed violets, sweet raspberry, lavender and rose petal all capture the attention first before showing subtle savory notions of black pepper, crushed rock and worn leather. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is framed by a well-balanced structure, with energetic acidity and mouthwatering tannins, before ending with a long, lingering finish. A brilliant idea to only bottle in magnum, which forces you to select the appropriate time to open and consume the bottle. Regardless, this is a winner.

James Suckling: 97

Soft and luxurious with plums, smoke, spice and hints of earth. Some chocolate, too. Full body, round and caressing tannins and a seductive finish. It’s a wine that develops beautifully on your palate.

Wine Enthusiast: 95

There no mistaking that this comes from the stones of Walla Walla Valley, with its outrageous aromas of funk, earth, black pepper, peat, black olive tapenade, charcuterie plate, sea breeze and potpourri—an aromatic tour de force. A silky, plush, savory, earthy palate follows, full of saline and charcuterie notes. The supremely long, intensely rich finish grabs you and shakes you, kicking it up a notch.