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Cayuse Vineyards - Walla Walla God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache 2019

USA • Walla Walla Valley • Red

Regular price $5,630.00 tax included
Sale price $5,630.00 tax included Regular price $0.00
Unit price $1,876.66 / unit
Packaging : 3 x 75CL - Cardboard

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Available vintages

Description

  • Country UNITED STATES
  • Region USA
  • Appellation Walla Walla Valley
  • Color Red
  • Alcohol 13,5
  • Vintage 2019

THE Cayuse Vineyards “God Only Knows” Grenache 2019, from the famous vineyard Armada, is often considered one of the most fascinating and atypical Grenaches produced outside of Châteauneuf-du-Pape (or even Rayas).

The 2019 vintage at Walla Walla offered a cooler growing season, which helped preserve vibrant acidity and a very fine aromatic definition.

Ratings

Ratings

  • Vinous 95/100
  • James Suckling 96/100
Producer

Producer

The vineyard is located in a specific area of the Walla Walla Valley called The Stones of Milton-Freewater. Soils: These are old riverbeds filled with smooth basaltic pebbles (the famous "stones"). Thermal Effect: The pebbles store the sun's heat during the day and release it at night, promoting optimal maturation and a very pronounced saline mineral signature. The Unexpected: Unlike the majority of the region which produces powerful and oaky wines, the soils of Cayuse produce "funky", earthy, and incredibly fresh wines. The Philosophy: Biodynamics and High Density Christophe Baron was a pioneer of sustainable viticulture in the American Northwest: Biodynamics: The domaine has been certified biodynamic since 2002. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used; plant-based preparations and respect for lunar cycles are preferred. High Density: The vines are planted very closely together (up to 10,000 vines per hectare for some plots), which forces the roots to plunge deep into the basalt to seek water and nutrients. Franc de Pied Vines: Some plots are planted without rootstock, which is rare and allows for an even purer expression of the grape variety.

Owner and history

Cayuse Vineyards is owned by Christophe Baron, a passionate and visionary winemaker. Originally from Champagne, He was captivated by the unique potential of the Walla Walla Valley and founded the domaine in 1997. His commitment to quality and his rigorous biodynamic approach have made Cayuse Vineyards one of the most respected estates in the United States. The story begins near the village of Charly-sur-Marne, in Champagne, where the very young Christophe Baron roamed the family vineyard with his father and grandfather. He was the youngest member of the family. Champagne Baron Albert, a centuries-old family whose ancestors had been farming the land since 1677.

Vinification and aging

The winemaking of the 2019 Cayuse Vineyards "God Only Knows" reflects Christophe Baron's obsession with expressing the "stony" terroir of the Armada vineyard. For this vintage, the process is marked by a quest for freshness and aromatic complexity.

Exceptional Density: The Armada vineyard is planted at approximately 4,485 vines per hectare (1,815 per acre), a very high density for the region which forces the Grenache roots to draw deeply into the basalt.

Cultivation: Certified biodynamic, the domaine It uses no synthetic products. Yields are kept very low (approximately 2 tons per acre) to concentrate the aromas.

Use of Whole Cluster Vinification: Christophe Baron draws inspiration from the methods of Noël Verset (a Cornas legend). The 2019 vintage is vinified with a high proportion of whole clusters. The stems contribute a "spicy" structure and a noble, vegetal freshness (notes of black tea and garrigue).

Indigenous Yeasts: Fermentation starts naturally, without the addition of commercial yeasts, often in concrete tanks or old casks to preserve the purity of the fruit.

Extended Aging: The wine was aged for 21 months. Unlike many American wines, it sees virtually no new oak. Demi-muids (600L) and large, neutral French oak casks (those that have already been used for several years) are used to allow the wine to breathe without imparting vanilla aromas.

Discover Cayuse Vineyards

Discover Cayuse Vineyards

The team's opinion

A light ruby robe, translucent and brilliant. Its low color concentration is deceptive, as it conceals a monumental aromatic power. The Nose: The bouquet is captivatingly complex, oscillating between fruit and wild notes: The Fruit: Crushed wild strawberry, ripe raspberry and blood orange peel. The "Funk" Cayuse: Notes of dried meat, olive tapenade, white pepper and damp undergrowth. The Floral: Potpourri of dried roses and lavender. On the palate, the wine is airy, almost ethereal. It's the very definition of an "iron fist in a velvet glove": Texture: Silky and ethereal, with tannins of a lace-like finesse. Flavors: An explosion of small red fruits mixed with a mineral salinity (basalt). Finish: Persistent and complex, with a note of smoke and sweet spices that lingers on the palate for many minutes.