#5 in the 10.2016 Seattle Met ‘Top 100 Washington Wines’ (—Sean Sullivan)
#37 – Top 100 Wines of 2016, Wine Spectator
96 Points. Broad and expressive, playing the cherry, raspberry and pear notes against fine tannins. Picks up tobacco, tar and mineral notes as the finish sails on. Has terrific presence without weight. Drink now through 2025. 846 cases made. —Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator
95 Points. (15% new oak; this was the first vineyard planted in what is now known as the Rocks District, back in 1997): Good medium-deep red. Compellingly complex, high-toned aromas of raspberry, brown spices, olive tapenade, smoked sausage, lilac and black licorice are lifted by a floral topnote. Wonderfully concentrated, saline wine with terrific spicy energy and delineation to its very pure raspberry and smoke flavors. Still tightly coiled but the outstanding purity and intensity of fruit here is clear. Finishes with great length and spicy lift. —Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
94 Points. From the oldest vineyard in the Stones (Christophe calls it The Stones, not The Rocks), the transparent ruby colored 2013 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard incorporates 5% co-fermented Viognier and has a distinct saltiness, as well as classic Cayuse notes of peat moss, mushrooms, iodine, and sweet cherry and currant fruit. While gamey and a touch backwards right on opening, it blossomed with time in the glass and can be enjoyed today with a decant, or cellared for a decade or more. —Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate
