2016 Cayuse Impulsivo en Chamberlin

Good full red. Musky aromas of raspberry, cherry, redcurrant and mocha complicated by a hint of meat and some oak spices. Darker and smokier than the Tempranillo that Elizabeth Bourcier makes under the No Girls label, with robust dark fruit, meat and mocha flavors calling out for food. "An asado wine," says Bourcier. I think of this as Ribera del Duero-like in style, vs. the No Girls' Rioja. A bit less fun in the early going--as well as more tannic--than the No Girls example but still quite juicy and light on its feet. (13.7% alcohol; 60% new oak, including one new foudre )

The inherent, spicy feel of the syrah from the same vineyard is here, as is the delivery of sweeter and more savory characters in tandem. The blue fruit and cassis are strong and there’s a lemon-zest edge to the nose, too. The palate builds in very fresh and fleshy, long mode and carries a wealth of richness. Balanced tannins hold the fruit fresh and long. Drink or hold.

The 2016 Impulsivo is all Tempranillo comes from the En Chamberlin Vineyard and was brought up in 50-60% new French oak. It's a deep ruby/purple-colored effort and reveals a stunning bouquet of cassis, black cherries, smoked earth, gravelly minerality, and cedary spice. Still tight, backward, and vibrant on the palate, it another one of the 2016s that's going to need 3-4 years of bottle age. After a catastrophe with their 2015s due to a cork issue, Cayuse is certainly back on top with these latest 2016s. This is a great vintage for Cayuse and they’ve knocked it out of the park with both their Rhone and Bordeaux variety releases.