2020 Cayuse Syrah Bionic Frog

Dark, brooding and youthfully backward, the 2021 Syrah Bionic Frog slowly evolves with a blend of crushed blackberries, rosemary and wet stones. This sweeps across the palate with masses of red and black fruit notes over a wave of silken textures, seeming to gain in weight and potency with each passing second. Incredibly spicy, the 2021 finishes dramatic and long, leaving a web of fine tannins, black licorice and sage that lingers on. Just a baby today, the 2021 is destined for greatness. (EG)

The 2021 Syrah Bionic Frog has a medium magenta core and offers a fresh, floral and spicy bouquet accompanied by elegant, savory notes. Ripe notions of plum skin and dark cherries burst from the nose, overflowing with aromatic profile. Medium to full-bodied, the palate presents an elegant and refined mouthfeel with food-friendly tannins and nuances of umami, culminating in a long, complex finish that highlights the distinctiveness and embodies the "wow factor" of the Walla Walla Valley. The Syrah rested for 18 months in approximately 20% new and neutral French oak demi-muids, foudre and barrels. (AM) 98+

This comically named but serious flagship wine of Cayuse comes from the Coccinelle vineyard, planted in 1998. It practically explodes in aroma, with smoky, peppery, savory grilled herbs followed by gorgeously ripe blackberries and dark plums on the palate, blanketed in soft, powdery tannins for a plush finish. From biodynamically grown grapes.