100 points (and top Syrah as well as Cayuse wine) for the International Wine Report:
[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.
