Cayuse Camaspelo Walla Walla Valley 2018

96 points Owen Bargreen (Vinous): "The 2018 Camaspelo is a sensational blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with just a touch of Tempranillo. Right out of the glass, it displays an overt and exotic bouquet. Black cherry cordial, potpourri, garrigue, and nori tones all mingle together. The palate is utterly seamless throughout the drinking experience, with wet stone character alongside fine-grained tannins and a beautiful core of dark fruits. The sense of balance here is exquisite. Drink: 2021-2031. (Mar 2022)"

95+ points Jeb Dunnuck: " Lots of ripe cherries, mulberries, brambly herbs, tobacco, and earth emerge from the 2018 Camaspelo, although it's one of the more reticent, backward wines in the lineup and takes plenty of air to show at its best. Offering full-bodied richness, a round, mouth-filling texture, and building yet ripe tannins, it needs 3-5 years of bottle age to round into form and should have two decades or overall longevity. (5/6/21)"

95 points James Suckling: "Aromas of plums, currants, dried herbs, tangerine, gravel and spices. It’s full-bodied with silky, firm tannins and bright acidity. Intense and savory with rich yet balanced layers. Hints of chocolate at the end. A Bordeaux blend. Drink or hold. (6/16/21)"

94 points Anthony Mueller (Wine Advocate): "Boasting a warm and generous nose that offers firm and expressive aromas of crème de cassis, black plum skin, dark cherry compote and spiced blackberry jus, the 2018 Camaspelo displays elements of resinous purple flowers and brown baking spices in the glass. Full-bodied and with silky tannins, the wine glides across the mid-palate with elegance and ease, leaving juicy flavors of macerating dark berries, cardamom madeleines and plum reduction. The wine has all of its elegance on display and concludes with an elongated finish that begs me back for another sip. The wine rested for 19 months in about 35% new French oak. It has me daydreaming of pan-seared Tomahawk chops. Just over 4,700 bottles produced. Drink: 2021-2035. (7/8/21)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Elegant yet dynamic, with expressive wild berry, licorice and toasty spice flavors that glide on the long and savory finish. Drink now through 2030. 395 cases made. (10/15/21)"

94 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine has aromas that enchant, with notes of cigar box, savory herbs, cherry, wet stone and fresh flowers. It coats the palate from end to end, showing intensity and richness but still plenty of vibrancy. It's outrageously delicious now but will only pick up steam with some time in the cellar. Best after 2025. Alcohol 14.3%. (Sep 2021)"