Wine Enthusiast – 98 Points
Aromas of ash, black pepper, rock salt, black olive, wet stone, potpourri and fresh tobacco lead to outrageously expressive, savory flavors on the palate. There is intensity to the flavors, but still a profound sense of elegance and balance. The finish lingers on accents of potpourri and smoked meat. Hold until at least 2025. Oct/2019 —Sean P. Sullivan
Jeb Dunnuck – 97 Points
The 2016 Syrah The Tribe is largely in the same mold with a gamy, meaty, backward profile. Smoked meats, earthy dark fruits, ground pepper, and wood smoke are all present in this medium to full-bodied, concentrated Syrah that’s going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20 years. Apr/2019 jebdunnuck.com
James Suckling – 96 Points
This has such impressive, silky black fruit with interwoven spices and subtle, meaty nuances. The intensity of fruit is dialed-up in this wine. There’s a very pure, bright fruit core here that pushes out of the mid-palate with a lot of energy and stony, graphite-like notes. This has a wealth of dark berries on offer. Such length and balance. Drink or hold. Best from 2022 Apr/2019 —jamessuckling.com
Wine Advocate – 95 Points
The 2016 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard has complex aromas of peppercorn-crusted meat, iodine and smoke along with crushed violets and a wet river rock minerality. The wine is medium to full-bodied on the palate, showing soft tones of underbrush that add to the range of the expressions on the palate, later moving to a delicate stemmy note with a flutter of Sakura. The finish is thoughtful and complete, with good focus and balance. Only 525 cases produced. Dec/2019 —Anthony Mueller
Description
The 2016 Horsepower Vineyards Syrah from The Tribe Vineyard is a profound and captivating testament to the artistry of Christophe Baron, the visionary winemaker behind this exceptional Walla Walla, Washington estate. The Tribe Vineyard, known for its challenging rocky soils, imparts a distinctive character to the Syrah grapes, resulting in a wine that stands as the pinnacle of Washington State winemaking.
In the glass, the 2016 vintage reveals an intense, inky purple hue, foretelling the depth and concentration within. The nose is an intricate tapestry of aromas, with bold notes of blackberries, blueberries, and dark cherries taking center stage. Layers of complexity unfold with hints of violets, smoked meat, and a touch of black pepper, providing a sensory experience that hints at the wine’s depth and sophistication.
On the palate, The Tribe Syrah is a symphony of flavors that dance across the senses. Dark fruits dominate, with blackberry and blueberry evolving into a luscious sweetness complemented by nuances of black plum. The integration of oak adds a subtle framework of vanilla and baking spices, contributing to the wine’s overall complexity. What distinguishes the 2016 vintage is its impeccable balance and structure, where velvety tannins and vibrant acidity create a harmonious interplay.
The rocky terroir of The Tribe Vineyard leaves an indelible mark, infusing the wine with a mineral undertone that adds depth and intrigue. This Syrah is not merely a wine; it’s a journey into the heart of Walla Walla’s unique viticultural landscape, a narrative told by the land itself.
For enthusiasts and collectors, the 2016 Horsepower Vineyards Syrah is a rare and sought-after gem. Its limited production and critical acclaim underscore its status as a benchmark for Washington State Syrah. Indulge in the 2016 vintage and experience the profound expression of The Tribe Vineyard—a wine that encapsulates the dedication, passion, and uncompromising commitment to excellence that define Christophe Baron’s winemaking philosophy.
Horsepower Vineyards and Cayuse stand as beacons of unwavering quality and a shared commitment to expressing the distinct terroir of Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. The narrative of these esteemed wineries is intricately woven with the passion and vision of a singular force: Christophe Baron.
Hailing from the Champagne region in France, Baron embarked on his winemaking odyssey in the late 1990s when he arrived in the rugged expanse of Walla Walla Valley. Enchanted by the challenging conditions and the region’s potential to yield exceptional wines, Baron founded Cayuse Vineyards in 1996, drawing inspiration from the Cayuse tribe that once inhabited the area.
Cayuse swiftly gained recognition for its terroir-driven wines, particularly those crafted from Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Baron’s commitment to biodynamic farming and a hands-off winemaking approach set Cayuse apart, establishing a reputation for wines that authentically mirrored the land.
In 2005, Baron extended his winemaking prowess with the establishment of Horsepower Vineyards, marking a shift in focus to the noble Syrah grape. Each vineyard under the Horsepower label represents a unique “séance” with the land, accentuating the influence of terroir on the final wine.
At the heart of Horsepower’s philosophy is ‘The Tribe,’ a flagship Syrah embodying the diverse characteristics contributed by vineyards like Upland, Sur Echalas, and High Contrast. Nestled in the rocky slopes of Walla Walla Valley, these vineyards yield low quantities of intensely flavored grapes, underscoring Baron’s meticulous vine care.
The Horsepower label not only pays homage to the physical power required to cultivate the challenging soils but also symbolizes the energy, dedication, and spirit invested in every bottle. Baron’s hands-on approach and profound connection to the land position Horsepower Vineyards as an emblem of excellence in Washington State winemaking.
Both Cayuse Vineyards and Horsepower Vineyards have attained cult status, prized by enthusiasts and collectors globally. Their limited production, coupled with consistent critical acclaim, has elevated these wineries to iconic stature. Christophe Baron’s journey, from his roots in France to the creation of two distinctive and revered wineries in Walla Walla, illuminates a winemaking philosophy grounded in reverence for the land, authenticity, and an unwavering pursuit of quality.
Wine Advocate (WA)
Influential Wine Criticism for Global Wine Lovers
Founded in 1978 by Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate revolutionized the wine industry with its adoption of the 100-point scoring system. It quickly became the most influential source of wine ratings globally, especially for Bordeaux, Rhône, and California wines. Parker’s precise palate and fearless opinions gained him a loyal readership. Today, under the editorial leadership of Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and a team of regional specialists like Joe Czerwinski and William Kelley, the publication continues to deliver deeply researched, blind-tasted reviews with global reach. It remains subscription-based and independent, with over 30,000 wines reviewed each year.
Wine Spectator (WS)
America’s Leading Wine Magazine and Rating Publication
Wine Spectator has been a staple of the wine world since its founding in 1976 by Bob Morrisey. Purchased shortly after by Marvin R. Shanken, the publication grew into the most widely read wine magazine in the U.S. It is known for its blind tastings, detailed vintage charts, consumer-focused reviews, and accessible scoring system. Its famous “Top 100 Wines” list each year influences buying trends across the industry. With a team of dedicated critics covering nearly every wine-producing region on Earth, Wine Spectator remains a trusted name for both collectors and casual drinkers alike, reaching millions in both print and digital formats.
James Suckling (JS)
Global Critic Known for Rapid Reviews and Bold Ratings
James Suckling spent nearly three decades at Wine Spectator, serving as Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief, before launching his own platform in 2010. Renowned for his fast-paced review style, Suckling and his team rate more than 25,000 wines annually from all over the world — with a strong focus on Italy, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Chile. His reviews are direct and generous, often accompanied by tasting videos and interviews with winemakers. Suckling also hosts large-scale tasting events around the globe and maintains strong influence on luxury wine buying in Asia, particularly Hong Kong and China.
Wine Enthusiast (WE)
Wine Ratings, Lifestyle, and Buying Guide
Since 1979, Wine Enthusiast has published wine reviews, buying guides, and lifestyle content for both entry-level drinkers and experienced collectors. The magazine evaluates thousands of wines annually using a 100-point scale and offers detailed, easy-to-understand tasting notes. Its team includes regional editors specializing in North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere. Wine Enthusiast also provides wine accessories and hosts wine events. It’s known for its strong online presence and educational tone, making it one of the most accessible and widely read wine publications in the United States.
The Wine Independent (TWI)
Subscription-Based, Critically-Researched Wine Analysis
Founded in 2021 by former Wine Advocate editor-in-chief Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and wine photographer Johan Berglund, The Wine Independent emphasizes transparency, independence, and long-form, in-depth critical reviews. It operates on a subscription-only model and maintains no advertising relationships, ensuring its opinions are entirely editorial and not influenced by wineries or sponsors. Their reviews, primarily focused on Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Champagne, feature detailed tasting notes and region-specific insights, and the site aims to be a trusted source for high-end collectors and trade professionals.
Burghound (BH)
Burgundy Expertise and Global Pinot Noir Specialist
Allen Meadows launched Burghound.com in 2001 after a successful career in finance and years of deep study into the wines of Burgundy. His quarterly reports are considered the gold standard for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, especially from France and Oregon. Burghound is highly regarded for its vintage retrospectives, producer profiles, and strict scoring discipline. Meadows is known for revisiting wines across vintages to track aging and performance, providing valuable data for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (CGCW)
Decades of California-Centric Ratings and Commentary
Founded in 1974 by Charles Olken, the Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine was one of the first American wine publications dedicated exclusively to California wines. It employs a star-based rating system rather than numerical scores, offering short, consumer-friendly reviews with strong editorial consistency. It reviews wines monthly and is particularly noted for its fair treatment of smaller wineries, as well as for educational columns that provide insight into varietals, regions, and vintage perspectives.
Wine & Spirits (W&S)
Restaurant Trends, Trade Tastings, and Thoughtful Reviews
Wine & Spirits Magazine has been publishing since 1982 and is known for its blind tasting panels, sustainable producer features, and restaurant-focused wine trends. The magazine’s annual Restaurant Poll surveys top U.S. restaurants for their bestselling wines, offering unique insight into trade buying patterns. It covers both domestic and international regions with tasting panels led by respected critics, and places a strong emphasis on balanced, food-friendly wines. The publication is widely read by industry professionals, sommeliers, and wine educators.
The Tasting Panel (TP)
Trade-Oriented Publication Blending Ratings with Wine Business Insight
The Tasting Panel is a leading beverage trade magazine that reviews wine, spirits, and beer with an eye toward the business side of the industry. Edited by Meridith May, the magazine blends product ratings with distributor insights, marketing trends, and interviews with industry leaders. Its wine scores often appear in distributor portfolios and retail shelf talkers. Known for a broad palate and market-savvy commentary, The Tasting Panel holds a unique position between reviewer and trade magazine.
Vinous (VN)
Modern Multimedia Wine Criticism with a Global Reach
Vinous was launched in 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former lead critic at The Wine Advocate. The platform combines written reviews, video content, interactive maps, and tasting notes across a global array of regions, from Barolo to California. Vinous has absorbed other major outlets like Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, expanding its reach and credibility. With contributors like Eric Guido, Josh Raynolds, and Neal Martin, Vinous is widely respected by collectors and industry professionals.
Stephen Tanzer (ST)
Veteran Critic Known for Precise, Classic Palate
Stephen Tanzer was the publisher of the International Wine Cellar for nearly 25 years before merging with Vinous in 2014. Known for his conservative scoring style and deep knowledge of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and U.S. wines, Tanzer remains a respected contributor at Vinous. His legacy includes pioneering English-language coverage of less-celebrated wine regions and maintaining credibility with both trade professionals and collectors. Tanzer’s tasting notes are concise, technical, and valued for their consistency.
Jancis Robinson (JR)
Master of Wine and One of the Most Respected Critics Worldwide
Jancis Robinson MW is a globally recognized wine critic, journalist, and author based in the UK. She was the first person outside the wine trade to earn the Master of Wine title in 1984. Her Oxford Companion to Wine and World Atlas of Wine (co-authored with Hugh Johnson) are essential references in the industry. Robinson serves as wine advisor to the British royal cellar and is known for her scholarly yet accessible reviews and educational content at JancisRobinson.com.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD)
Former Aerospace Engineer Turned Rhône and U.S. Wine Authority
Jeb Dunnuck began his wine career writing a blog focused on the wines of the Rhône Valley and Southern France. He later joined The Wine Advocate before founding JebDunnuck.com in 2017. His publication focuses heavily on U.S. regions such as California and Washington, as well as France’s Rhône and Bordeaux. Known for a generous palate and bold tasting language, Dunnuck provides hundreds of detailed reviews per release cycle, frequently visiting producers and publishing regional deep-dives.
Decanter Magazine (D)
British Wine Authority Blending Criticism and Culture
Founded in 1975, Decanter is the UK’s oldest consumer wine publication. It has built a global reputation for thoughtful commentary, extensive blind tastings, and the annual Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the largest and most respected wine competitions. With contributors including Steven Spurrier, Jane Anson, and Andrew Jefford, Decanter provides wine education, interviews, travel features, and expert reviews. Its editorial voice reflects a balance of Old World tradition and New World curiosity.
Jane Anson (JA)
Bordeaux Specialist and Authoritative Wine Writer
Jane Anson spent nearly 20 years writing for Decanter Magazine before launching her own subscription-based platform, Inside Bordeaux. She is one of the most respected contemporary voices on Bordeaux, having authored “Inside Bordeaux” — a highly praised and scholarly reference work. Anson is noted for her deep engagement with vineyard practices, producer interviews, and regional changes. She holds a diploma from the Bordeaux Wine School and continues to publish detailed tasting reports and essays for…
Tasting Book ~ (TB)
Global Collector-Sourced Ratings and Reviews
The Tasting Book is an international digital platform that compiles wine reviews from professional critics, sommeliers, collectors, and enthusiasts around the world. Launched in Finland, it has grown to feature tens of thousands of wines with reviews from multiple perspectives. Each entry aggregates community feedback alongside professional commentary. Tasting Book is especially valued for its crowd-sourced balance and the ability to compare opinions across tasters. It is widely used by wine professionals, collectors, and auction houses.
