Red Mountain pioneer Jim Holmes planted Petit Verdot just after Y2K, which makes it a relatively young block for Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, and his son, Richard, shows why this Bordeaux grape, traditionally a blender, can make an expressive and powerful wine on its own. The nose of black plum, black raspberry and cola includes dark tones of black licorice, vanilla extract and toast. There’s a mouth-filling combination of black cherry and Hostess Blackberry Pie flavors that stand up to the expected heft of tannins, and yet there’s balance with the fruit — even a sense of opulence.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 122 cases
Alcohol: 15.8%
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