The 2005 Camaspelo is composed of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. Purple-colored, it delivers mineral notes, pain grille, pencil lead, clove, allspice, and cassis. On the mid-palate, black fruits, plum, and licorice make an appearance. Focused, intense, and complex, the wine conceals enough tannin to support 5-7 years of further cellaring. Opulent and long, it will be at its best from 2012 to 2025. Christophe Baron strikes again. His estate, just on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla AVA, consists of five small but distinct vineyards (41 acres in total – with more on the way). Syrah and the Bordeaux varietals are the principal focus but the finest parcels of Tempranillo, Viognier, and Grenache grown in the USA are on this estate. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically and much of the estate is planted on rootstock to prepare for the day when phylloxera works its way through Walla Walla. The wines are all fermented with indigenous yeasts and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Tel. (509) 526-0686; www.cayusevineyards.com