Tasting Notes

WA97

The 2004 The Widowmaker “En Chamberlin Vineyard” is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak, 75% new. The most massive of Cayuse’s Bordeaux-styled wines, this purple-colored behemoth offers an imposing nose of pain grille, scorched earth, espresso roast, licorice, and black currants. Brooding on the palate, this amazingly rich and concentrated wine is an infant in terms of its development. There is enough structure to support 10-20 years in the cellar but there is so much extract and baby fat that the wine can be enjoyed now with a dry-aged prime ribeye. For those with patience, The Widowmaker (could this be a reference to the potential longevity of the wine?) should drink well through 2050. Personally, I look forward to drinking this wine when I’m 105.

WE95

The minerality in this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has an iodine/oyster shell finish that is quite unique. The fruit smacks of cassis and a bit of boysenberry; the 80% new oak is barely evident. It's got the typical potpourri mix of flower and herb, not just the scents but also in the flavors. The flavors just hang in there remarkably well; this takes cassis and black olive and smoke and tar and mixes them into a tight, compact, layered and lengthy Cabernet.

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