2017 Cayuse Flying Pig
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Tasting notes
Bright red-ruby. Aromas of blueberry, black cherry, raspberry, graphite and spices, plus hints of violet and rose petal. Juicy, savory and fine-grained, offering a lovely light touch and a silky texture in the middle palate. This highly distinctive wine struck me as midway between Bordeaux and Rhône in its aromatic character. No impression of heaviness at all, in spite of the wine's velvety texture. More red than black fruits in the mouth, and more Franc than Sauvignon or Merlot. Offering enticing, easygoing sweetness, this blend finishes with light but firm tannins and subtle, building floral/spicy persistence. Ten years ago, this wine and the other Cabernet-based bottlings from Cayuse were more dominated by their savory, smoky earth tones than by fresh fruit; nowadays they strike a better balance. My sample behaved very well with aeration, maintaining its fresh fruit character while gaining in texture and silkiness, with refined tannins saturating the entire palate. This beauty should expand as it ages.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 39% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Flying Pig displays with a dark ruby center and all of the markers for a classic and well-made wine. A myriad of aromas burst from the glass with juicy red and dark-berried freshness upfront, followed by elements of roasted bell pepper, juicy plum and dark cherry along with an array of red and purple flowers and a subtle lingering mineral note. Medium to full-bodied, the wine elegantly slides across the palate, oozing with precision and finesse. A delicate, yet growing flavor of baking spices grows in intensity, showcasing a soft, yet impeccably balanced expression of French oak. The mid-palate displays magnificent balance with energetic acidity, freshness of fruit and skillfully managed tannins before offering a long, sophisticated finish. As an admirer of Cabernet Franc, I thoroughly enjoyed this expression, since the wine is rich and voluminous without being overdone. Only 191 cases made.
Based on 50% Cabernet Franc, 39% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Flying Pig sports a deeper ruby/purple color as well as rocking levels of blackcurrant and black cherry fruits interwoven with notes of tobacco leaf, cedar pencil, damp earth, and spice. Bordeaux-like on both the nose and palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a great, rounded texture, and a clean finish. It’s beautiful example of this cuvée to drink any time over the coming 10-15 years. The 2017s from Christophe Baron show the more elegant, balanced style of the vintage nicely while still showing plenty of depth and concentration. These are singular, gorgeous wines that could come from nowhere else.