Cayuse Cabernet/Syrah Walla Walla Valley The Lovers 2021

97 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2021 The Lovers is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah from En Cerise and Cailloux vineyards. It was aged 21 months in French oak, 30% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little shaking to wake up scents of warm cassis, fresh black plums, and boysenberries, plus nuances of cedar chest, fragrant soil, and tapenade. The medium-bodied palate is energetic and refreshing with intense, pure black fruit flavors and a long layered finish. Very impressive! Alcohol 14.1%. Drink: 2026-2040. (3/26/25)"

96 points International Wine Report: "Aged for 21 months in about 30% new French oak the 2021 The Lovers from Cayuse blends 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Syrah. Presenting a brooding deep purple core with a neon red rim, it commences with complex aromas of freshly picked blackberries, blueberry pie, and blue plums alongside notes of toasted baking spices, sweet anise, and shades of cedar and vanilla. The Syrah gives it some of those meaty characteristics which I love. Full-bodied with rich tannins and a lofty, enveloping mouthfeel, it finishes rich and long. A small amount of 227 cases were made. Drink 2024-2039 (Jan 2024)"

95 points Anthony Mueller (Wine Advocate): "Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Syrah, the 2021 The Lovers displays an almost opaque core and deep magenta rim. The nose opens with notes of resinous purple flowers, baked plums and black cherry skin essence with a subtle undertone of brown baking spices with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is ripe, plush and initially juicy before turning a touch tannic with notes of graphite and turned earth wading across the mid-palate. Slowly, the tannic grip releases, revealing soft, savory notes of dried herbs with a delicate backbone of sweet spices. Give it a few more years in the bottle to mellow, allowing it to find its stride, and enjoy it with larger cuts of steak. The wine aged 21 months in approximately one-third new French oak. Just under 2,800 bottles were produced. Drink: 2027-2038. (3/21/24)"

95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes 10% Syrah, the 2021 The Lovers is deep purple-hued with a more reserved, inward style that's going to reward bottle age. Ripe red and black fruits, iron, smoked tobacco, and freshly sharpened pencil notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, pure, elegant red with silky tannins, plenty of accessibility and charm, and outstanding length. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15+ years. Drink: 2024-2040. (7/10/24)"

94 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "Darkly floral, the 2021 The Lovers opens with a savory bouquet of sage, crushed ashen stones, pipe tobacco and blackcurrant. Cool-toned and classic, this presents decadently ripe red and black fruit with hints of citrus over a stream of vibrant acidity. Enveloping and serene, it takes a turn toward structure through the finish, leaving silky tannins and a vivid note of black licorice. Drink: 2026-2036. (Dec 2024)"

94 points James Suckling: "Blended from 90% cabernet sauvignon and 10% syrah, the wine adds some blackberry plumpness to the muscular frame of cabernet. Enticing savory, smoky aromas lead to black cherries, grilled plums and singed herbs. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now but best from 2028. (Feb 2024)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "This is handsomely structured, with its supple texture framing multilayered flavors of black cherry, dusky spices and black olive that build richness on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now through 2033. 227 cases made. (8/31/25)"