2017 Cayuse "Wallah Wallah Special #11" Walla Walla Valley Syrah (1.5L)

Made only in magnum, the 2017 Syrah Wallah Wallah Special #11 comes from some of the exceptional vineyards that go into making some of the bottlings for Cayuse and Horsepower. Displaying with a pale ruby-colored edge, the wine unfolds its wings in the glass showing the elegance of Pinot Noir but with the savoriness of Syrah. Elements of crushed violets, sweet raspberry, lavender and rose petal all capture the attention first before showing subtle savory notions of black pepper, crushed rock and worn leather. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is framed by a well-balanced structure, with energetic acidity and mouthwatering tannins, before ending with a long, lingering finish. A brilliant idea to only bottle in magnum, which forces you to select the appropriate time to open and consume the bottle. Regardless, this is a winner. (RP)

Medium-deep red. Musky aromas of raspberry, smoked meat, roast coffee and underbrush lifted by peppery herbs and rose petal. Boasts lovely sweet red berry fruit complexity complicated by savory soil tones, herbs and black pepper. Thick and savory but nicely delineated; in fact, a bit more penetrating than the 2016 version, with the energy and tannic structure to evolve slowly. This wonderfully smooth, fine-grained Syrah finishes with serious palate-dusting tannins and excellent grip and length. Not a particularly fruity style but has more than enough fruit to balance its savory soil, pepper and herb elements. A superb vintage for this bottling. (bottled in magnums) (ST)