Cadence Ciel du Cheval Red Mountain 07
When wine experts consider Washington State's great vineyards, one name that consistently appears near the top of any list is Ciel du Cheval Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA. Famed for the elegance and complexity of the wines it produces, Ciel du Cheval has become near-legendary exemplars of what Washington wine is all about.
This Red Mountain Wine is going to be an excellent wine to cellar for many, many years, perhaps a decade or more.
Wine Advocate 92 points!
"The 2007 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is a blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, and 13% Petit Verdot which received the same elevage as the Taptiel bottling. Dark ruby in color with a bouquet of cedar, Asian spices, herbs, incense, cassis, and black currant are followed by a supple-textured wine with loads of spicy fruit, good volume, and enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. Enjoy this lengthy offering form 2014 to 2027."
From the winery -
Super sensuous aromatics of spice and blueberries. Cool, brisk flavors of berries and plums leavened by bright acidity. There are many layers here, waiting to unfold with time in the glass. The finish caresses the palate with deep fruit and very fine grained long tannins. This will age gracefully for a decade or longer. - the winery
39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot
Fantastic. Unique and full of character, with a prime pairing of rich fruit and soil that Cadence does so well.
Previous Vintage Tasting Notes
Cadence Ciel du Cheval Red Mountain 06 received 93 points from Wine Spectator: "Supple, round and generous, delivering a tempting mouthful of ripe cherry, mulberry, mint and exotic spice flavors that mingle enticingly on the silky finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2016. - H.S."
39% Cabernet Franc 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot Tobacco, spice and black berry aromas pour out of the glass. The wine really expands in the middle with an explosion of black fruit and velvety power. It finishes with characteristic Ciel elegance, sweet tannins and a long spicy berry finish.
Wine Spectator rating 92 points: "Beautifully structured, with rich, ripe tannins swarming around a supple core of gorgeous plum, currant, cherry and cedary spice flavors. Long, vibrant finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2007 through 2015.-H.S."
The winery says: "More dusty fruit showing underneath the pie spice nose. Round yet firmly tannic palate begs for a year or two in the cellar to show its best. The typical Ciel blueberry and red fruits are there hidden beneath the wine's structure. Decant for a couple hours for the most enjoyment 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot."
