WINES
Professional reviews and tasting notes will be added as published.
2012 LA RATA
The 2012 La Rata was created with fruit sourced from the Armada and En Cerise Vineyards. The blend is 60 percent Grenache and 40 percent Cabernet-Sauvignon. 98 cases produced.
"94 Points Editor’s Choice. This is the inaugural release from Elizabeth Bourcier, assistant vigneronne at Cayuse Vineyards. A unique blend of Grenache (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), it clearly comes from The Rocks, with the aromas of black olive, peat, fire pit, raspberry and herbs popping. The smoked meat and savory flavors show elegance, depth, detail and restraint, with a finish that sails. It's a subtle, sublime wine that makes a statement." —Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast
"93 Points. Deep ruby-red. Pretty, high-toned aromas of berries, violet and dusty rose. Juicy and perfumed in the mouth, boasting terrific intensity to the dark berry, spice and floral flavors. The fleshy Grenache is given shape and grip by firm Cabernet tannins. Shows a lovely synergy of components and finishes subtle and very long. Winemaker Elizabeth Bourcier told me that the Priorat wine Clos Erasmus is the model for this blend." —Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
"94 Points. Elizabeth Bourcier, Cayuse’s assistant vigneronne, was inspired by Clos Erasmus wines and crafted this blend. She chose to use Grenache from Armada Vineyard and Cabernet from En Cerise Vineyard. The boutique wine was named "The Rat" and then connects the Spanish influence, La Rata.The name speaks to Bourcier, as her zodiac sign is the rat and despite being assistant winemaker at Cayuse, she still considers herself a cellar rat. The wine opens with prototypical Walla Walla rocks aromas of wet stone, smoke, provencale herbs, red currant, dill and blackberry. There is wonderful balance and texture to this wine. The blend has flavors of blackberry, anise, blueberry, red currant and prune. This is just a delicious and vibrant wine with a strong minerality. Kudos to Bourcier. (Best 2015-2025) - December, 2015" —Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
