2020 Cayuse Vineyards, En Cerise Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Washington, USA

Bright black cherries, peppery herbs, black tea, and wildflower notes, as well as some classic Rocks scorched earth, emerge from the 2020 Syrah En Cerise Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, elegant Syrah with wonderful purity, fine-grained tannins, and outstanding length. It doesn't have the density or concentration of a truly great vintage here, but it shines for its elegance and finesse. It's going to evolve for 10-15 years.

Drink 2023 - 2038

Savoury, smokey and dusty, the 2020 Syrah en Cerise is firm, mineral-driven and expressive with potpourri and dark red fruit aromas, hints of pink and green peppercorns and a spicy and mineral essence. Medium-bodied, the palate gives way to a balanced and spicy core of dark red fruit with savoury flavours of sage and wild brush before offering notes of umami and dusty flowers across the mid-palate. The wine continues to open and evolve, revealing more spicy and savoury notes before ending with a soft hint of iodine and leather. Enjoy with food.

Drink 2023 - 2033

A mentholated freshness lifts savoury woodland herbs and dried black cherries as the 2020 Syrah En Cerise Vineyard opens in the glass. Juicy and vividly fruit-focused, this cascades across the palate with a crystalline blend of wild berries and spice, gaining a more savoury edge toward the close. The 2020 tapers off crunchy, leaving gritty tannins and a bump of residual acidity that adds freshness. The En Cerise will be an exciting wine to follow, showing an ageing potential not seen in many 2020s.

Drink 2025 - 2032

From biodynamically grown grapes.

This is meaty, with ripe dark berries, plum skins, smoked bacon, cocoa, and ground spice and pepper. It is medium—to full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins and a polished texture, with crushed-stone minerality and dried orange peel. It is lengthy and persistent, with a savoury finish.

Drink or hold