Cayuse - Camaspelo Walla Walla Valley 2020

Christophe Baron grew up among the vineyards and cellars of his family's centuries-old Champagne house, Baron Albert. His sense of adventure, however, led him to become the first Frenchman to establish a winery in Washington State.

While visiting the Walla Walla Valley in 1996, Christophe spotted a plot of land that had been plowed up to reveal acres of softball-sized stones. This stony soil, this terroir, was just like that of some of the most prestigious French appellations. The difficult ground would stress the grapevines, making them produce more mature, concentrated fruit.

He named his vineyard after the Cayuse, a Native American tribe whose name was taken from the French cailloux--which means, rocks. Hours of back-breaking work later, Cayuse Vineyards has become five vineyards encompassing 41 acres.

"The 2020 Camaspelo, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, is dark and moody in the glass, slowly evolving with a mix of flowery underbrush and wet earth, giving way to nuances of plum sauce and of sage. This steps softly, pampering the palate with soft, enveloping textures and saline-tinged acidity. Hints of olive and balsamic spice give way to a salty flourish as the Camaspelo slowly fades, leaving just a hint of dusty tannins."-Eric Guido

Crushed rocks, tobacco, iodine, bay leaves and blackberries here. Mineral and savory, with very fine-grained tannins. Excellent freshness and silkiness, with gentle green-herb undertones. A blend of mostly cabernet sauvignon, with some cabernet franc and merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold