2006 Cayuse Syrah Bionic Frog

All of Christophe’s 2006 were stunners, and the 2006 Syrah Bionic Frog excels for its massive core of fruit, smoked herbs, chocolate, licorice and meaty aromatics. Brooding, backward, meaty and a little bloody, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness and big structure, yet always stays balanced, pure and layered. It’s a joy to drink today, but will cruise for another 10-15 years.

Still a baby and showing very little evolution, the 2006 Cayuse Syrah Bionic Frog is the most meaty and savory of the vintages and delivers knockout aromas of ground pepper, smoked herbs, blood, ham, and rolled stone qualities on the nose. Incredibly perfumed, this full-bodied behemoth is impeccably proportioned on the palate and has brilliant concentration, a light, yet voluptuous texture, and a chewy, broad finish that just keeps on giving. While there’s no harm in drinking now, this beauty will continue to impress for another 15+ years.

Bright, full ruby-red. A compelling expression of syrah on the nose: black raspberry, smoked meat, mocha, minerals, black olive tapenade, celery salt. Wonderfully sweet and exotic, with a lush, seamless texture of liquid velvet. The full, rich flavors of blueberry, raspberry, olive and pepper are given shape and lift by floral and mineral elements. This creamy wine borrows from all the syrah food groups. Finishes very long and a bit youthfully medicinal, with sexy pepper and spice notes. This was aged entirely in Dominique Laurent's "magic casks," 25% of them new. The fruit comes from the Coccinelle Vineyard, which like En Cerise and Cailloux is planted on its own rootstock.