Widowmaker

Produced: 2002 - present

Professional reviews and tasting notes from prior vintages (scores within parentheses indicate barrel samples):

2021

97+ Points. Deeper hued, with killer notes of pure cassis, graphite, scorched earth, and lean pencil shavings. With a Pauillac-like style in its aromas and flavors, it's medium to full-bodied and has a concentrated, structured mouthfeel, beautiful yet building tannins, and a great finish. It's one of my favorite Bordeaux releases from Cayuse in 2021. —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com

96 Points. Displaying an eye-popping dark purple core with a neon blue rim in the glass, this is another winner from the winemaking team at Cayuse. Dark baked plums, boysenberries, crushed herbs, forest breeze, dusty earth, and sweet vanilla are all present in the glass and incredibly integrated. The full-bodied mouthfeel isn’t overpowering and is pleasantly balanced with the lush, sweet tannins. Highly recommended. —Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

96 Points. One of the great Cabernet Sauvignon wines from this region … Initially alluring with violets and black tea as well as tar and kirsch with sandalwood accents all line the noes. The palate is deep and rich, loaded with rich black fruits, stony essence, orange peel, and exotic spices. A stunner in this warm vintage, as the seamless texture makes this beauty glide, enjoy this fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon bottling now and over the next ten-plus years. —Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com

95 Points, Critic’s Choice. The aromas show notes of black currant, cassis, flower, and dried herb, showing crystalline clarity. The palate brings all that and more. It’s the purity, balance, and depth that impress most, however. There’s also notable freshness on the long finish. It’s a Widowmaker for the ages. Nay, it’s a Cabernet for the ages. —Sean Sullivan, Northwest Wine Report

95 Points. The 2021 The Widowmaker boasts a sturdy nose that is fresh, complex, and juicy, featuring ripe and round aromas. The nose wafts with layers of dusty flowers and notes of plum skin as dark cherries sway out of the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the palate exhibits impressive staying power with a ripe attack, showcasing balanced, succulent acidity with fine-grained tannins. The wine concludes with a long, lingering, spicy finish that beckons me to pour another glass. For optimal enjoyment, decant for one hour, then enjoy with food. —Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate

94 Points, Cellar Selection. Given the hombre on the wine's label, a worn saddle-leather aroma, with accompanying notes of mulberries, pomegranate seeds and cherry blossoms, feels right at home. Grippy tannins lay down more leather on the full-bodied palate, joined by boysenberry and Irish breakfast tea flavors. —Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast

94 Points. Floral, black licorice, and black cherry aromas lead to just-ripe, focused black cherries and blueberries. Aged in 25% to 30% new French demi-muids, the wine is both rich and balanced, mouth-filling yet structured, with moderate tannins and fresh acidity. —James Suckling, jamessuckling.com

2020

96 Points. The 2020 The Widowmaker wafts up with a varietal profile of black currant, graphite, stone and sage. It's sleek and racy in style, with crisp red and blue fruits that flow across the palate with ease, guided by vibrant acidity. The 2020 finishes with a tannic crunch, offset by hints of sour orange and exotic spice, along with a hint of red plum that slowly fades. This seductive rendition of The Widowmaker... will overdeliver for many years to come. —Eric Guido, Vinous

96 Points. ...Grown in a rock-filled vineyard and is a testament to the power of terroir. On the nose, it boasts rich aromas of crushed blackberry, blackberry liquor, dried mountain mint, dried pink grapefruit zest, and specs of dusty road. On the palate, you are greeted with a velvety texture and seamless structure and that crushed-stone minerality. Enjoy this now with a hard decant or enjoy it over the next 8-10 years. Highly recommended. —Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

95 Points. A beautiful wine that is truly one of a kind, the 2020 Widowmaker is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from this stony terroir littered with galets. Once on the nose this takes on rich kirsch and blackberry tones alongside citrus blossom, and suggestions of tar. The palate is lithe and polished with a seamless texture. Once on the mouth this seems to effortlessly glide throughout the drinking experience, as the combination of weight and underlying finesse really makes this sing. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next few years. —Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com

94+ Points. Always all Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard is darker and earthier, with iodine-laced notes of black fruits, sappy flowers, spice, and chocolate, with some graphite and smoky minerality nuances. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and structured, yet with juicy acidity, it's a little foursquare at the moment, but I think it will come together with 2-4 years of bottle age. —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com

94+ Points. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 The Widowmaker en Chamberlin Vineyard is firm, mineral and dense with savory notes that sway with dusty red flowers and hints of spice and oak essences in the glass. Full-bodied, layered and complex, balanced flavors of black cherry skin, dusty plum and crème de cassis sway with dusty florals and savory baked earth notions before revealing a fine mineral tension with open and expressive dark red spicy florals and potpourri notes. The wine concludes with a delightfully lingering, food-friendly finish. The wine rested for a year and a half in approximately 35% new French oak. 3,120 bottles produced. Bravo! —Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate

94 Points. Notes of cassis and black cherries, together with crushed walnuts, grilled herbs, tobacco leaf and lead pencil. Medium- to full-bodied and structured with a polished and refined tannin structure. It’s deep and juicy with savory notes, hints of iron and attractive earthiness to close. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. —James Suckling, jamessuckling.com

2019

98+ Points. Starting out reticent and closed, the 2019 The Widowmaker opens up nicely with air, yielding a great, classy bouquet of red and black currants, damp earth, tobacco leaf, graphite, and smoked herbs. Straight-up gorgeous on the palate, it has the purity, finesse, and elegance of this cooler vintage yet has a great mid-palate, just about perfect tannins, and a great finish. It needs 3-4 years or so of bottle age but will have two decades or more of longevity. —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com

97 Points. An incredibly well-made Cabernet that impresses with its seductive aromatics of ripe black currants and blueberries, which are woven together with exotic spices, chocolate shavings, violets, herbs, graphite, smoke and tobacco nuances. On the palate this is every bit as stunning, full-bodied, intense and concentrated, yet displaying remarkable tannin structure and balance. It continues to impress with its outstanding depth, as layers of ripe dark fruits, exotic spices and violets all continue to build and resonate through the long, supple finish. This is a simply exceptional bottle of Cabernet, and while it is impressive right now, it should go on to have an even brighter future ahead. —Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

96 Points. A beguiling blend of black currants, sage, scorched earth, hints of animal musk and pencil shavings make the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard hard to resist. This is pure elegance on the palate, velvety-smooth in feel, with a combination of citrus-tinged berries and dark chocolate adding lovely contrasts. It finishes dramatically long, with cooling herbal and mineral tones that resonate above a coating of silky tannins. The 2019 may already be a pleasure today, yet it possesses an underlying power that will reward cellaring. It’s rare to see a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla reach such a perfect balance. —Eric Guido, Vinous

96 Points. Generously layered in the glass with aromas of turned earth, blackberry jus and dusty purple flowers, the 2019 The Widowmaker en Chamberlin Vineyard is delightfully rustic yet also possesses a new-world shine. Medium to full-bodied, the 14.1% alcohol wine saddles the line between earthy and fruity flavors before showing a balanced structure with succulent acidity and fine-grained tannins. The wine concludes with a long-lingering and spicy finish that will remain food-friendly until its 20th birthday. Bravo! —Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate

95 Points. A knockout effort in 2019, the Widowmaker is a rich and highly structured wine that is already drinking brilliantly. Once on the nose, this takes on layers of black cherry compote, Shiitake mushroom, smoked brisket and suggestions of wet gravel... The palate displays a gorgeous combination of red and dark fruits with Hoisin sauce, bacon fat and shades of huckleberry. Finishing long, enjoy this beautifully evolved Cabernet Sauvignon over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032. —Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com

94 Points. Blackcurrant, black licorice and sliced plum on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with soft, velvety tannins. The steady balance here is great, so even-keeled and articulate. Lifted notes of black fruit and chocolate with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. —James Suckling, jamessuckling.com

2018

95 Points. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard is a spectacular wine by famed vigneron Christophe Baron. The beautiful, hedonistic nose features green bell pepper, smoke, black cherry cordial and wild mushroom tones. The palate is silky and elegant, with a bright sense of minerality. Ripe dark fruits combine with black tea, exotic spices and smoky undertones and a rich mouthfeel. Layered and complex, this beautiful effort will continue to evolve well for a decade or more. —Owen Bargreen, Vinous

94 Points. Opening with a mineral-driven nose, the 2018 The Widowmaker en Chamberlin Vineyard offers up elements of dusty blackberry, hints of leather and resinous purple flowers with cinnamon and nutmeg tones. Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays a ripe, lush expression that is coated with a delightful mineral tension before displaying elements of bitter dark chocolate, dried sage and dusty purple flowers. Concluding with a long, winding finish, the Cabernet should continue to deliver an elegant, dark-fruited and delightful drinking experience for the next decade and a half. —Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate

94 Points. Lots of earthy tobacco, gravelly earth, shiitake, and assorted darker fruits emerge from the 2018 The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard. Medium to full-bodied, it has a wonderful core of sweet fruit, polished tannins, and a great finish. It leans heavily into the earthy, foresty side of the spectrum. Give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar if you can, and it should have two decades of prime drinking ahead of it. This is only for those who like plenty of savory earthiness in their Bordeaux blends. —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com

2017

97+ Points. …Loads of blackcurrant and cassis as well as leafy tobacco, cedar pencil, chocolate, cold fireplace and Asian spices on both the nose and palate. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it has a wonderfully seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish… —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com

95 Points. The 2017 The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard begins with boisterous black fruits on the nose with subtleties of graphite, blackcurrant and dried violets before expressing hints of crème de cassis and smoked earth. Full-bodied, the wine is rich and round, offering a generous yet balanced structure to last about two decades. Accessible in youth, the wine ends with a silky, supple finish that continues to evolve with complexity for moments after the wine has left the palate and will surely deliver pleasure. 232 cases produced. Good luck finding some. —Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate

2016

99 Points. Coming all from the En Chamberlin Vineyard and 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard has classic crème de cassis, graphite, smoke tobacco, and smoked earth notes as well as a thrilling floral, exotic quality with time in the glass. This full-bodied, deep, silky wine has no hard edges, beautiful tannins, and a remarkable, profound elegance and purity. —Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com

95+ Points. the 2016 The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard has a black-fruited nose with a tight core of dusty flowers. The wine is full-bodied and lush on the palate, with a tight minerality that will make this quite age-worthy. It's balanced yet still tight on the mid-palate with a long, lingering finish. This is a beautiful and generous wine that delivers pleasure with a lush and dusty expression. —Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate

2015

(93-96) Points. The 2015 The Widowmaker en Chamberlin Vineyard is the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated cuvee from the team, and it’s a full-bodied, big, rich effort that has classic Bordeaux characteristics of graphite, blackcurrants, dried violets and lead pencil shavings. It has just a touch of Cayuse funk, rock-solid, mid-palate depth and sweet tannin, all suggesting it’s going to be long lived. —Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

2014

99 Points. Getting a big "Wow!" from me, the 212-case 2014 The Widowmaker sports a deep, inky color (darker than any current vintage) to go with a masculine, Chateau Latour-like bouquet of blackcurrants, graphite, tobacco leaf and cedar. Rich, full-bodied, decadent and powerful, with ripe and polished tannin, it's a sensational Bordeaux blend from one of Washington's greats! Bravo. —Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

94 Points. Bright ruby-red. Slightly stemmy complexity to the aromas of black cherry, licorice and bitter chocolate, complicated and enlivened by sexy floral and orange peel high notes. Wonderfully concentrated, silky and savory, boasting outstanding depth of dark fruit flavor with terrific lift and definition. This very suave, compellingly spicy wine really reverberates on the palate-staining aftertaste. —Stephen Tanzer, Vinous

93 Points. Plush, expressive and well-structured, with savory black cherry and stony mineral aromas and dense but polished licorice and espresso flavors that linger toward refined tannins. Best from 2019 through 2025. 505 cases made. —Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

2013

95 Points. Lastly, the 2013 Widowmaker is one of the richest, more concentrated 2013s in the lineup. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 30-40% new puncheons, this full-bodied beauty has fabulous Cabernet character and offers the essence of black cherry and crème de cassis fruits, smoked earth, and chocolate aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, seamless and elegant, give bottles 4-5 years of cellaring and enjoy over the following 10-15 years. —Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

93 Points. Ripe and rich, with powdery tannins framing a generous core of cherry, currant, cocoa and savory spice flavors that persist into a long and expressive finish. Best from 2018 through 2023. 212 cases made. —Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

2012

96+ Points. Coming all from the En Chamberlin vineyard and made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 The Widowmaker is backward and tight, with bright acidity giving lift to notes of cassis, graphite, smoked earth and lots of crushed-rock minerality. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, yet still showing a more elegant, focused and pure style, it won't hit maturity for another 7-8 years, and will keep for 25+. —Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

93+ Points. (13.7% alcohol; aged in 60% new Taransaud barrels): Bright, deep red. Rather flinty aromas of currant, bloody steak, smoke and cold steel. Offers outstanding freshness and inner-mouth perfume to its red and black fruit and mineral flavors complicated by smoke. Some past vintages of this bottling have been thicker and more saline, but this wine offers a compelling light touch that’s a reflection of its vintage. Superb and very young. —Stephen Tanzer, Vinous

2011

95+ Points.The 2011 The Widowmaker is a beauty. One of the top Cabernet Sauvignons in the vintage, it offers up classic red and black currant fruit, earth, smoked meats and spice to go with a medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless texture on the palate that carries masses of beautifully polished tannin. Aged 18 months in 50-60% new French oak, it’s a relatively forward vintage for this cuvee (which is the norm for the vintage) that can be enjoyed anytime over the coming 15 years or more. –Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

2010

97 Points. A silky, supple and downright sexy 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2010 Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard offers up notes of sweet red and black currants, leaf tobacco, mulled spices and cedar to go with a full-bodied, rich and gorgeously textured and polished palate. Already approachable and surprisingly civilized, with a core of sweet fruit and ripe, polished tannin, it nevertheless holds up beautifully with air and drank well for the three days I had the bottle open. Enjoy it over the coming 12-15+ years. Drink now-2025+. –Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate

2009

97 Points. Using grapes sourced entirely from the En Chamberlin Vineyard, this pure Cabernet is deep, dark, focused and tight, with firm but velvety tannins and a perfect mix of cassis, coffee and earth. Even more than previous years, this vintage displays astonishing depth and power. Flavors of Serrano ham and other cured meats, plus a delicate saltiness and minerality keep the flavors developing onto the long, fascinating finish. –Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast

93 Points. Good deep red. Aromas of licorice pastille and smoke. Dense, sweet, juicy and bright, with harmonious acidity shaping and lifting the raspberry, cassis and spice flavors. A captivating hint of rocky minerality contributes to the impression of finesse. In a very suave style, finishing with sweet tannins and superb persistence. Baron told me that he is slowly bringing down his new oak percentages, and this wine is clearly the better for the new approach. –Steven Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

93 Points. The Cayuse 2009 Widowmaker – as usual, from the year 2000 plantings in the deeply gravelly En Chamberlin – was raised in just under half new barrels, whereas in 2005 and 2006 it was 80%. Juniper berry, cedar, and cassis catch the nose’s attention; then inform a rich, polished, subtly-oily palate. A suggestion of crushed stone – though not, to be sure, the refined texture and tannins on display here – certainly fits Baron’s quip that “this is like riding over a gravel road.” Tactile sizzle of baking spices; smoky Latakia tobacco; and piquant huckleberry all add to the intensity, grip, and complexity of a powerfully persistent finish. This looks likely to reward considerable cellaring and perform well for more than a decade. –David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

2008

97 Points. The 2008 Widowmaker En Chamberlin Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 50-60% new oak, something Baron uses judiciously. It is a very Left Bank Bordeaux styled wine combining power and elegance. It is likely to have a 20 year lifespan. –Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate

96 Points. Superb sculpture and definition in this compact and lightly funky evocation of pure Cabernet Sauvignon. The deep, dense, super ripe berry flavors are framed within a bouquet of dried herbs, pepper, mineral, astringent tannins, and a crisp mix of earth, wood and plant flavors. Superb length and ageability. –Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast

2007

98 Points. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard is 100% varietal from a single parcel aged in 75% new French oak. The nose displays sandalwood, mineral, earth notes, Asian spices, incense, black currant, blackberry, and a hint of chocolate. Rich, dense, and layered, it displays remarkable elegance for its size. It will continue to evolve for 6-8 years and provide pleasure through 2027. –Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate

91 Points. Big and bracing, offering a plush mouthful of black olive-immersed blackberry, cherry, plum and spice flavors, finishing with savory herb character. Drink now through 2017. –Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

2006

98 Points. The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard is 100% varietal from a single parcel aged in 75% new French oak. The nose surrenders a sensual perfume of smoke, crushed rocks, game, dried fruits, and a hint of chocolate. Rich, dense, and layered, it is the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. It will continue to evolve for 6-8 years and provide pleasure through 2026. –Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate

2005

98 Points. The 2005 The Widowmaker is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the En Chamberlin Vineyard. Opaque purple, the nose reveals toasty oak, minerals, scorched earth, an amalgam of black fruits, plum, and licorice. Smooth-textured, opulent, and full-flavored, the oak is totally integrated and every element is in harmony. Give it 8-10 years in the cellar and drink it through 2030. –Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate

91 Points. Smooth and generous, this offers a powerful blast of ripe cherry, rhubarb pie and strawberry jam, finishing with a meaty note. Has lots of personality, with a finish that won't quit. Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2013. –Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

2004

97 Points. 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. –Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate

93 Points. This smells of herbs, but offers a mouthful of gorgeous plum and currant fruit on a supple frame. Finishes with harmony and a distinct stylishness. The savory notes add plenty of interest, and the oak integrates smoothly. Best from 2008 through 2014. –Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

2003

90 Points. Produced entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2003 The Widowmaker offers a nose of herb-laced dark fruits. Medium to full-bodied, dense, and boisterous, this outstanding effort is crammed with blackberries and spices. Projected maturity: 2008-2018. –Pierre Rovani, The Wine Advocate

93 Points. Supple, plush and immensely appealing for its range of blueberry, plum and currant fruit, shaded with a relatively low level of spicy oak, lingering seductively on the round, polished finish. This one has refinement and grandeur. Drink now through 2015. –Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

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