Cayuse Vineyards : Armada Vineyards God Only Knows 2013

A Biodynamic Red with Rich Dark Fruit and Worn Leather Aromas

Established in 1997 by Cristophe Baron, originally from the Champagne region, Cayuse Vineyards is named after the French word for "stones," referring to the distinctively stony terroir of the property. Today, the domaine includes 5 vineyards, around 60 acres in total in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. The entire property has been biodynamically cultivated since 2002. In 2001, Cristophe planted the 7-acre Armada Vineyard at a high density of 1815 vines per acre. In fact, this was the most densely planted vineyard of the Walla Walla Valley until 2008. The soils here are very rich in iron, magnesium and calcium, which add a signature minerality to the wines. The vines extend their roots into soils of cobblestone, which offer very good water drainage and few nutrients for the plant, forcing the vines to struggle to produce a small yield of aromatically complex and concentrated fruit. The Armada God Only Knows 2013 by Cayuse Vineyards is a naturally rare, small production wine. The exact blend is unknown, but most likely dominated by Grenache, which survived the hot summer of 2013 and yielded fully ripened, concentrated fruit.

The Armada God Only Knows 2013 by Cayuse Vineyards displays a bright red color in the glass. The aromatic profile resounds with rich notes of dark fruits (raspberry and black cherry), along with crushed herbs, worn leather, game and a mineral touch, characteristic of the wines of Cayuse. A gorgeous wine with plenty of fruit on the palate, and a fine tannic structure that stretches into a superb finish. This biodynamic red blend from Washington will age beautifully for the next decade or so.