The red wines start with the 2005 Grenache God Only Knows – Armada Vineyard, the first release of this wine. It was produced from yields of 1 ton per acre with 75% of the crop dropped on the ground. Cherry preserves, kirsch, and raspberry are the primary notes both aromatically and on the palate. It is super-expressive and mouth-filling with a very long finish. “High density vineyards and low yields are the secret to Grenache,” says Baron. 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

Dense flavors of deep cherry fruit hold center stage in this intense and concentrated 100% Grenache. The flavors resonate through pure fruit, stone and chocolate, yet maintain a feminine, elegant style. Compared with other Cayuse wines, this has more sweet, deep, berry flavors, without sacrificing minerality and definition. It’s a joyful wine, saturated with beautiful fruit, pure and deeply satisfying.——P.G.(11/1/2008)—— 93