TN: 2014 Cayuse - Syrah Armada Vineyard (USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley)

WINE TALK
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Does nobody buy or drink this anymore? How in tarnation is there not a thread yet?! … anyways, here we go …

2014 Cayuse Syrah Armada Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (2/15/2025)
– decanted approx. 45 min. before initial taste –
– tasted non-blind over approx. 1 hr. –

This is such a great Armada! It definitely has that savory/olive/funky Cayuse Nose. Medium-light to medium bodied on the palate, with a smoky/savory/light black olive melange of flavors. In a fantastic spot right now – I would endorse pulling a cork for anyone holding multiple bottles. Solidly excellent.

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Hi Brian, I think a lot of the Cayuse notes go into the Washington Wine thread, and after drinking them for almost two decades now - I still love them! Great note btw - the Armada can go the distance.

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Ahhh, that makes sense about the WA thread; thanks, Dale. I’ve been drinking Cayuse less than I’ve been buying them —- even now, I’m mostly trying to put more age on my holdings —- I don’t recall ever having had one that I felt was on its downside. How much age do you typically prefer on your Cayuse, Dale? I understand it may vary depending on bottling …

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I think 2014 was a favorable vintage for WA syrah. Like 2016, 2014 doesn’t have a reputation as a great vintage but many of the results have been excellent.

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I’m going to hop in here - I have Bionic Frog 2012-2014 and Cailloux from 2014

Any warnings I should drink now?

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Dave-I’ve posted previously on WB that I think, generally, syrah from the WW rocks sort of peaks at 8-10 years and start fading away after 12 years. I mean I’ve had syrahs from this area significantly older than 12 years that have aged quite nicely and into more elegant wines. But to my palate I don’t think they got better or more interesting but I know and respect the opinion of others who like the more gentle older wines. I think the Bionic Frog is built to age longer and should be fine for a few years longer than the other Cayuse syrahs. Personally, I’d drink that Cailloux this year and definitely sample any of those Bionic Frogs this year if you have multiple bottles. Cheers.

Edit: In an interview Christophe Baron advised drinking his syrah three packs thus: on release, 5 years, and 10 years.

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Have had the 09 and 12 of armada and cailloux this past winter.
Each named wine was similar to its counterpart.
A bit of fruit flavors lost other than plum and dark fruit with the funk, olive, and maybe some sage type flavor.
We plan to bring up the 10, 11, and 12’s Cayuse in the near term with some birthday celebrations soon to be here.
We let the armada go this year but the frog and other offerings we kept.