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Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache 2011
The 2011 Grenache God Only Knows is shockingly good in the vintage. Sporting a big, masculine profile, with notions of lite gunpowder, ground pepper, herbs and wild strawberry and blackberry fruit, it flows onto the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a full, rich mid-palate and a healthy dose of tannin that will require short-term cellaring to integrate. This knockout Grenache will be at its finest from 2016-2026. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Ratings on Delectable
Mike Saviage 
Tasted blind. Scarlet purple core and very opaque. Herbal nose. Notes of plum, Provençal herbs, a little kirsch. Big in the palate but not over the top. Guessed older CA Syrah. Fun to try.
Tasted blind. Scarlet purple core and very opaque. Herbal nose. Notes of plum, Provençal herbs, a little kirsch. Big in the palate but not over the top. Guessed older CA Syrah. Fun to try.
9.2
Isaac Pirolo
Cayuse was called for after a long week at the office which consisted of tastings at Larkmead and Skipstone (not to mention tasting each barrel of 2016 Theorem) and visits to our two new vineyard sites (Moon Mountain and Dry Creek). The highlight of the week, though, was my first working lunch at Diavola in Geyserville. I get it now... anytime close and it’s mandatory. As for this Cayuse... the 2011 God Only Knows Grenache comes from a 7 acre parcel of the Armada Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley. The other 25 acres or so are planted to Syrah. While close to being ready immediately, an hour open really helps it work out the kinks, which should almost be expected for a wine this exotic. At its core it is kirsch infused with fresh cracked pepper, forest floor, and Herbes de Provence, with a pure minerality that adds just enough acid, but not too much that it keeps the Strawberry from shaking its ass. Stunning.
Cayuse was called for after a long week at the office which consisted of tastings at Larkmead and Skipstone (not to mention tasting each barrel of 2016 Theorem) and visits to our two new vineyard sites (Moon Mountain and Dry Creek). The highlight of the week, though, was my first working lunch at Diavola in Geyserville. I get it now... anytime close and it’s mandatory. As for this Cayuse... the 2011 God Only Knows Grenache comes from a 7 acre parcel of the Armada Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley. The other 25 acres or so are planted to Syrah. While close to being ready immediately, an hour open really helps it work out the kinks, which should almost be expected for a wine this exotic. At its core it is kirsch infused with fresh cracked pepper, forest floor, and Herbes de Provence, with a pure minerality that adds just enough acid, but not too much that it keeps the Strawberry from shaking its ass. Stunning.
9.6
Matt
Super crazy. Beef blood, white peppercorn, raspy herbs, somewhat astringent, super dark and funky brett. 24 hours of air let more life into this wine. Dark and dense fruit came around. Still lots of dark earthy/mineral flavors coupled with many savory elements. More harmony but this must be going to through a closed period because it seemed angry to be awake.
Super crazy. Beef blood, white peppercorn, raspy herbs, somewhat astringent, super dark and funky brett. 24 hours of air let more life into this wine. Dark and dense fruit came around. Still lots of dark earthy/mineral flavors coupled with many savory elements. More harmony but this must be going to through a closed period because it seemed angry to be awake.
8.6
Scot Walker
Dried fruit in the nose, dried cherries, smoke, tobacco, mocha and earthy in the palate. Even at 10 years, it still needs a long time to breathe. Would go well with a hearty stew or soup.
Dried fruit in the nose, dried cherries, smoke, tobacco, mocha and earthy in the palate. Even at 10 years, it still needs a long time to breathe. Would go well with a hearty stew or soup.
8.9
Colin Nuckolls
This is such a great expression of Grenache. Bright, spicy, and rich. Lovely
This is such a great expression of Grenache. Bright, spicy, and rich. Lovely
9.3Colin Nuckolls
Its clear, precise and focused. Peppery and a little fruity. A tad monolithic?
Its clear, precise and focused. Peppery and a little fruity. A tad monolithic?
9.1
Dave Montagne
Wonderful stuff! Thanks Drew!
Wonderful stuff! Thanks Drew!
9.5James Lee
Didn't know I like Grenache!
Didn't know I like Grenache!
9.2Scott Harkness
Need lots of air and time to show itself
Need lots of air and time to show itself
9.0Rob Freelen
Iron on palate, interesting...
Iron on palate, interesting...
8.6
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