2017 Cayuse "En Chamberlin" Walla Walla Valley Syrah
SKU #1390806
97 points
Wine Advocate
The 2017 Syrah en Chamberlin Vineyard is unmistakable on the nose, boasting an intensely framed Syrah that offers up generous and juicy dark fruit, framed by meaty, umami and savory expressions of olive tapenade, black pepper and charcuterie before drifting back to aromas of violets and lavender. Full-bodied and firmly structured, the wine is built like a tank, revealing layers of complexity and elegance that are supported by fine-grained tannins and rocky minerality across the mid-palate. With power and finesse, the wine somersaults in the mouth, before leading to a long, impressive conclusion that continues to develop in length. Only 365 cases were produced of this stellar wine. Yum! (AM)
(8/2020)
96 points
James Suckling
This red shows lots of smoked meat and spices, as well as dried-strawberry and raspberry character. Full-bodied, yet not overpowering, with creamy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Tightens at the end. Shows focus and intensity.
(3/2020)
95 points
Jeb Dunnuck
More tapenade, dried herbs, chocolate, sweet mulch, and sweet black fruits emerge from the 2017 Syrah En Chamberlin, a medium to full-bodied, ripe, powerful 2017. With building tannins, a plump, expansive mid-palate, plenty of classic Rocks funk, and a great finish, it doesn’t quite have the precision of the En Cerise yet is more sexy and opulent.
(4/2020)
94 points
Wine Spectator
Shows fine detail and expression, with vibrant blueberry and raspberry flavors, accented by bacon fat, crushed stone and olive notes that gather richness toward polished tannins. (TF)
(8/2020)
93 points
Vinous
Full bright, dark red. Musky, wild scents of dark raspberry, boysenberry, dried herbs, underbrush, olive tapenade, crushed rock and licorice. Suave, savory and plush on entry, then saline, dark and concentrated in the middle palate, with black olive, mocha and bitter chocolate flavors complementing darker berries and chimney soot. Finishes with a firm spine of dusty tannins that currently masks the wine's underlying sweetness. Thick without being sweet, this wine also needs a few years to round into shape and absorb its substantial dusty tannins. The least sweet of these Syrahs today but avoids dryness on the back. (ST) 93+
(12/2020)
93 points
Wine Enthusiast
The aromas jump out of the glass, with notes of earthy funk, heaping amounts of wet stone, butcher shop, smoke, black pepper and salami. Earth-shaking fruit and savory flavors follow. A light medicinal streak runs through it. It's a primer on what this estate is all about. *Editors' Choice* (SS)
(10/2020)