Cayuse Syrah Walla Walla Valley Armada Vineyard 2021

98 points International Wine Report: "The impressive 2021 Armada Vineyard Syrah from Cayuse is another 100% Syrah from The Rocks that saw 15-20% new French oak for a total of 21 months of aging. You immediately have the sense of place in this wine and in a blind, I could pick it out every time. Gorgeous, intriguing notes of grilled meats, dried purple roses, and white peppercorns meld with the blue and black fruit with a smidgeon of white grapefruit zest that pops out of the glass on the nose. Tannins are firm and pleasant and pair perfectly with the lemony acidity and lengthy earthy finish that goes on for minutes. 636 cases were produced. Drink 2024-2039 (Jan 2024)"

97+ points Jeb Dunnuck: "One of the bigger, richer wines in the lineup, the 2021 Syrah Armada Vineyard comes from a high-density vineyard located just beside the cellar and was brought up all in demi-muids. This deeper ruby/plum-hued Syrah boasts a big, masculine bouquet of smoked red and black fruits, sauteed mushrooms, cured meats, iron, and cold fireplace nuances (it almost has a Graves-like character) that flows to a medium to full-bodied, rich, concentrated Syrah with terrific overall balance, ripe tannins, and a great finish. As with the other 2021s here, it needs lots of air to show at its best and will ideally be given 4-5 years in the cellar. It's going to hit its 20th birthday in fine form. Drink: 2028-2041. (7/10/24)"

97 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2021 Armada Syrah is 100% Syrah planted to high-density (6 X 4 foot plantings). It was aged 21 months in French oak, 15-20% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is quite closed to start off, needing a lot of swirling to bring out notes of juicy plums, blueberries, and Morello cherries, plus hints of aniseed, charcoal, black olives, and garrigue. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating, rounded tannins and bold freshness to frame the layered black fruits, finishing on a lingering anise note. Alcohol 14.1%. Drink: 2026-2040. (3/26/25)"

96 points Anthony Mueller (Wine Advocate): "Displaying a lighter color with a medium ruby hue, the 2021 Syrah Armada Vineyard has a spicy, complex, broad and structured nose, with fresh aromas of black cherries, blackberry skin, violets and rose blossoms. The palate, firm and food friendly, features a distinctive tannic edge that's meant for red meats. Unmistakably Syrah from Walla Walla Valley, this is a gorgeous beauty, and I'm going back to finish the glass. The wine spent 21 months aging in a combination of new and used French oak. 7,632 bottles were produced. Drink: 2025-2041. (3/21/24)"

95 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "The 2021 Syrah Armada Vineyard lifts from the glass with a high-toned bouquet, as dusty rose and violet tones give way to hints of white smoke, baking spice and black raspberry. This envelops the palate with soft and round textures, displaying noticeable weight and energy. Its fresh acidity propels its ripe red and blue fruit nuances. The 2021 finishes with a liquid floral concentration and pleasantly chewy sensation, leaving sweet tannins that frame the experience without slowing its momentum. I love the unbridled energy here. (Drink between 2026-2036. (Dec 2024)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "Robust and full-bodied, with personality-laden notes of blackberry, bacon fat, tapenade and iron that build density and power toward bold tannins. Hands off for now. Best from 2026 through 2035. 636 cases made. (8/31/25)"