The 2004 Syrah Armada Vineyard spent 30 months in puncheon. Yields were under 1 ton per acre. Floral notes, mineral, scorched earth, meat and blueberry make for an enticing mix. An amalgam of black fruits, tar, and licorice appear on the palate. It seems improbable that a wine of this scale could be thought “racy” but it is, quite an achievement. Kudos to Christophe Baron for another amazing set of wines!Christophe Baron strikes again. His estate, just on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla AVA, consists of five small but distinct vineyards (41 acres in total – with more on the way). Syrah and the Bordeaux varietals are the principal focus but the finest parcels of Tempranillo, Viognier, and Grenache grown in the USA are on this estate. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically and much of the estate is planted on rootstock to prepare for the day when phylloxera works its way through Walla Walla. The wines are all fermented with indigenous yeasts and bottled unfined and unfiltered.Tel. (509) 526-0686; www.cayusevineyards.com