2022 Cayuse "Camaspelo" Red Blend

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.

"The producer’s take on the Left Bank, the 2022 Camaspelo is dominant in Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Merlot, some Tempranillo. The latter is the secret weapon, adding structure on the midpalate and underlying power, while the wine stays elegantly balanced and highly refined. Supple tannins support light-bodied layers of crème de cassis, black cherry, and cigar box, just a hint of gravelly, grippy texture."
-Jeb Dunnuck, 96 Points

"A mouth-watering amalgamation of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions Cabernet Franc and Merlot … Umami and Nori combines with black truffle shavings, compost, orange peel and suggestions of bull’s blood on the nose. The palate is silky smooth and refined, as this elegant bottling is already drinking beautifully. Enjoy over the next eight plus years to come."
-Owen Bargreen, 96 Points

Aging: 18 months in French oak, 30% new

Foxcroft Online Price: $145 per bottle*
*This wine is arriving soon; we'll email you when it's ready for pickup