2006 Cayuse Syrah Armada Vineyard

Community Tasting Notes (92) Avg Score: 94.1 points

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  4/19/2024 - Cow Town Likes this wine: 95 Points

  The last review, from 2021, said it could use more time. I agree, but in 2024, even if it could use more time, it is exceptional. Best Cayuse I have had in years. Funk level was low, fruit was dark and present, but everything was in balance - tasted like a well-aged northern Rhône. I have a love-hate relationship with Cayuse, but this was squarely in the love box.

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  1/17/2021 - Easter Everywhere Likes this wine:

  Could use more time.

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  12/25/2020 - Ron Slye wrote: 95 Points

  This was opened on Christmas 2020 with Bionic Frog 2006.
  
  Armada and BF 2006
  Armada. Initially strong manure nose. Smoke. Camp fire. But also some cherry. This is slightly lighter (though still dark) than the BF. Just a lovely savage sort of wine
  
  Bf is slightly smoother. More subtle and integrated, but also a bit more closed. Darker fruits. Subtle smokiness and olive.
  
  To my taste, both of these need even more time. Or can certainly last at least another ten years. The armada has some harsh edges that I think will soften with time, and that in fact were softer the next day. The bf is a bit closed, suggesting it will evolve and open over time. But do not misunderstand me. These are both delicious right now. Just not at peak in my book.
  
  Armada 95
  Bf. 95

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  12/20/2020 - Ex-Ray Likes this wine: 98 Points

  No longer dark garnet and completely opaque, but has more ruby in the color with slight brown at the edges. Immediate and pronounced nose of blackberries but also some black cherries and plums. Roasted meat and leather components now much less prominent. Still full-bodied but in a very round manner, with no harshness, bitterness, or tannins. Very long but hot aftertaste. In summary, this is a wonderful wine, now completely mature, with layers of aromas and flavors. No need to hold any further. I suggest airing for an hour, then consuming that night.
  Ric

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  11/3/2020 - Ex-Ray Likes this wine: 98 Points

  One of the greatest Cayuse syrahs, has it all! Perfectly ready, won't get any better. Still garnet and opaque, just the slightest hint of amber edge. Very pronounced aromas of roasted meat, tar, black pepper, dark fruits. Full-bodied but rich and balanced flavors, tannins resolved. Very long aftertaste. Cayuse's biggest syrah, in our opinion, but still has some elegance and complexity.
  Ric

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