2019 Cayuse Camaspelo
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Camaspelo is dark and inward, taking a good amount of coaxing to unlock its bouquet of dusty florals, dried herbs, hints of cacao powder and mineral stone. This is velvety in texture yet medium-bodied, with creamy depths of red and black fruit complemented by exotic spice and hints of Baker’s chocolate. Sweet herbal tones and licorice are left to linger, as a gentle pull of fine-grained tannins frames the style quite well. The Camaspelo veers toward opulence yet maintains a wonderful balance, and it should mature beautifully over the next decade or more. The Camaspelo is primarily Cabernets with a dollop of Merlot.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Camaspelo is mostly Cabernet with some Merlot splashed in. The nose begins with a generous and dark fruited frame that is open and expressive with notes of spiced black plum and a soft earthy sensation. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is savory with an umami profile that leads to a soft essence of worn leather and river rock. The wine is generously layered and offers fine-grained tannins that drive the delightfully complex and lingering finish. Only 396 cases were made.
Based largely on Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Camaspelo has a Graves-like nose of both red and black currants as well as scorched earth, tobacco, sandalwood, and lead pencil shavings. Straight-up gorgeous on the palate as well, it's medium to full-bodied, has a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, terrific mid-palate density, and a great finish. It already offers pleasure today given its fruit and texture, yet it's going to cruise in cold cellars for 25-30 years. This is brilliant juice and up with the finest vintages I've tasted.
Aromas of plums, cassis, blackberries and dried sage. Medium-bodied and fresh. Very fine, slightly chewy tannins. Wet-stone minerality mixes with savory notes of melted dark chocolate and whole spice. Firm at the end. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.