2022 Cayuse "Armada" Syrah

Cayuse Vineyards was founded in 1997 by Christophe Baron, a French vigneron whose winemaking roots trace back to his family’s Champagne house, Baron Albert, established in 1677. After studying viticulture in Champagne and Burgundy and traveling through wine regions around the world, Christophe was drawn to the Walla Walla Valley, where he came across a barren, stone-covered field. While others dismissed it as too harsh for vines, he recognized its resemblance to the cobbled soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in his native France.

Guided by the belief that vines must struggle to produce great wine, Christophe planted his first vineyard in the “Stones of the Walla Walla Valley” in March 1997. Many thought it was a reckless gamble, but his vision soon reshaped the region’s reputation. He named his winery Cayuse, a nod to both the local Native American tribe and the French word cailloux, meaning “stones.”

Today, Cayuse spans five vineyards and 47 acres, producing some of the most distinctive and sought-after wines in the United States. What began as a bold experiment in a rocky field has become a benchmark for the Walla Walla Valley, uniting Old World tradition with New World innovation.

"[A] breathtakingly complex and deeply expressive wine, sourced from a densely planted site in the famed rocky soils of Walla Walla ... This wine immediately captivates with its multifaceted aromatics—crushed black olives, Chinese five-spice, and charred game mingle with blood orange zest, black truffle, and wild huckleberry. The nose alone is a journey, evolving with every swirl of the glass. On the palate, the Syrah is both luxurious and precise, offering a seamless interplay of richness and tension. Layers of blackberry compote, smoked herbs, and salted plum unfold with a striking mineral intensity, while nuances of espresso and fennel seed add further intrigue. The stony, iron-laced backbone provides a sense of weightlessness despite the wine’s incredible depth, allowing the finely integrated tannins to glide effortlessly across the tongue. As it lingers, the finish reveals an endless tapestry of dark fruit, cured meats, and savory umami, tapering off with a whisper of crushed rock. This is Syrah at its most profound—wildly complex, structured yet graceful, and built for long-term aging. Outstanding. Highly recommended."
-International Wine Report, 100 Points

" The world-class 2022 ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah come from this tight-spacing site that was planted at 1800 vines per acre. This location in the stones is now over 20 years of age. Green peppercorns and allspice dusted pork shoulder notes combine on the nose alongside Satsuma orange rind, soy sauce and shades of wild blackberry combine on this ultra-complex nose. The palate is refined and luxurious in terms of tension, depth and tension. Very rocky and mineral-laden, enjoy this beautifully bottling over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035."
-Owen Bargreen, 99 Points

Aging: 21 months of aging in 15-20% new French oak

Foxcroft Online Price: $145 per bottle*
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