Côtes de Ciel 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Nebbiolo, Red Mountain, $50

• Tweet

Red Mountain pioneering grower Jim Holmes took a chance on this noble red grape that hails from the Italian Alps, and his winemaking son Richard turned fruit from these 12-year-old vines into an impressive and promising example. While the juice spent 22 months in oak, none of it was new, helping to develop aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry jam, cocoa powder, vanilla and white chocolate. Be prepared for the mouthfilling punch of gorgeous dark cherry, pomegranate and Marionberry flavors, joined by the variety’s classic taut tannins. And yet, those luscious fruity tones  keep pushing through from the midpalate past the finish line. Look for this in stores and restaurants in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California, as well as online or 425-224-2483.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 100 cases

Alcohol: 15.3%

Winery website

Wine of the Week newsletter