Appearance:
Deep blue-purple core with a lighter purple rim; very opaque in the glass, signaling intensity and richness. 

Aroma / Nose:

• Spiced black cherry and dark berry fruit with roasted espresso and charred herbs. 

• Umami and savory notes: turned earth, mushroom, leather, and a slight truffle / forest floor character. 

• Additional layers: hints of wild herbs, black pepper, and a subtle smokiness or char. 

Palate / Mouthfeel:

• Medium-to-full body, with a rich, layered texture. Plums, boysenberries, and deep dark fruit dominate, but with excellent structure.

• Tannins are firm but polished — there’s tension, but not harshness. It has both power and elegance. 

• Acidity provides freshness and lift, which keeps it from feeling too heavy. 

Finish:

• Long lingering finish with savory, mineral, and earthy echoes: leather, turned earth, forest floor.

• Also some smoky, ashy, slightly charred notes that remain, giving depth and complexity. 

 What Makes This Wine Stand Out / Why It’s Special

• Vineyard & Farming: Sur Echalas is planted at very high density (a lot of vines per acre) which tends to produce lower yields per vine and more concentration. 

• Biodynamic / horse-farmed vineyard: The Horsepower line is part of Cayuse’s commitment to biodynamics and using horses for cultivation — contributing both to soil health and to the vineyard’s unique expression. 

• Vintage Balance: 2021 here is showing both richness and finesse — the fruit is ripe but not overblown, and there’s enough acidity and structure that it’s both enjoyable now (with decanting) and has very good aging potential. 

Drinking Window & Pairings

• Best drinking: Now through ~10+ years out, depending on how you cellar it. If you open now, decanting will help reveal more layers. 

• Food pairings:

  • Grilled or smoked red meats (rack of lamb, beef ribeye)

  • Game (venison, duck)

  • Mushroom-dusted dishes, charred vegetables

  • Rich, fatty meats to balance the savory and umami notes