Cayuse Syrah Walla Walla Valley Armada Vineyard 2018

97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A beautiful as well as a classic expression of this cuvée, the 2018 Syrah Armada Vineyard reveals a medium ruby/plum color that's almost translucent. This is followed by a big, exotic, rocks-driven nose of blackcurrants, sweet mulch, violets, bacon fat, charcoal, and exotic spices (among other things). Incredibly complex aromatically, with plenty of savory herb, graphite, and earthy notes, it nevertheless has a wonderful core of sweet fruit. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with ripe tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and terrific balance, it opens up nicely with air and will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age. It's capable of evolving for two decades. Drink: 2023-2044. (5/6/21)"

97 points Owen Bargreen (Vinous): "The 2018 Syrah Armada Vineyard is a stunning showing from this warm vintage. The nose comes off very earthy, presenting peat moss and forest floor alongside a core of hoisin sauce and huckleberry. The palate shows mouth-coating tannins, bright acidity and a brilliant collection of wild blackberry, black currants, smoked meats, white pepper and gobs of minerality. The combination of verve, earthy tones and black fruits is brilliant. Drink: 2021-2033. (Mar 2022)"

96+ points Anthony Mueller (Wine Advocate): "Beginning with a fantastic nose of cured venison, black pepper, roasted herbs and wilted lavender, the 2018 Syrah Armada Vineyard offers smoked jerky and cold fireplace elements. Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays impeccable balance with a velvety mid-palate and succulent tannins that need an additional year in bottle to come around. The wine concludes with a long, lingering finish with persistent flavors of sweet tobacco, roasted blackberries and cigar box. The wine rested for just under two years in approximately 15% new French oak. Give it a try; it's delicious as always. Almost 8,000 bottles were produced. Drink: 2022-2038. (Jul 2021)"

96 points James Suckling: "An intense, spicy nose of black and white pepper, fresh truffles, dried rosemary, black olives, black plums and spiced cherries. It’s full-bodied with silky, velvety tannins. Concentrated, deep and broad layers of herbs and earth. Delicious finish. Drink or hold. (7/12/21)"