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Côtes de Ciel 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain, $39

By on August 10, 2015

Côtes de Ciel-2012-Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Franc BottleJim Holmes helped pioneer grape growing on Red Mountain in 1975, and his son, Richard, is adding another level to the operation by overseeing winemaking for this young brand under the Holmes Family Winery umbrella. This nearly equal part, three-clone selection of clone 3, clone 214 and clone 327 represents some of the best fruit from renowned Ciel du Cheval, and there’s significant investment of 50% new French oak. Still, Holmes allows for sweet herbs, dusty black cherry and raspberry aromas. Inside, there’s a good core of black cherry and black currant, wrapped up in sandy tannins, juicy acidity and lasting pinch of herbs. Despite the lofty alcohol by volume listed, the finish displays remarkable balance. These wines are available at wine merchants and restaurants in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California, as well as online.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 196 cases

Alcohol: 15.8%

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Articles authored by Great Northwest Wine are co-authored by Eric Degerman and Andy Perdue. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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