2018 Cayuse, Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 94

Bright red-ruby. Sexy smoky aromas of dark berries, graphite, pepper and charcoal. Dense and fine-grained on entry, then rich and shapely in the middle palate, offering a lovely combination of sweet fruits and savory meat and soil tones, not to mention nicely integrated acidity. Finishes firmly tannic, very fresh and long. If this wine does not show quite the depth or intensity of flavor of the 2017 edition, it finishes tactile, classically dry, firm and long. I’d give it some time in the cellar to expand and gain in sweetness. (Tasted June 2021; Published September 2021) [Stephen Tanzer, 23/09/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2033

Robert Parker 98

Beginning with a brilliant and seductively aromatic nose, the 2018 Syrah Bionic Frog rockets out of the glass with a stunning array of juicy fruit tones, baked earth and a dusty, floral sensation with intoxicating elements of smoked beef and black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the Syrah summersaults across the palate with excitement and finesse, offering up spicy flavors of black raspberry compote, spiced chutney, hints of olive tapenade and a lively mineral tension. It offers pristine tannins and a succulent mouthfeel that lavishly lays on the mid-palate. Concluding with a long, winding and ever-evolving finish, the 2018 is flirting with triple digits. The wine rested for 19 months in a mix of French demi-muids and foudre, 20% new. Outstanding! Only 6,396 bottles were made. [Anthony Mueller, 26/05/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2040