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Cadence Winery 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Red Mountain, $45

By on March 30, 2016

cadence-ciel-du-cheval-vineyard-2012-bottleViewed for more than a decade as one of the state’s cult producers, Ben Smith continues to serve as a leader in Washington for his pursuit of proprietary Bordeaux-inspired blends with a focus on some of the Columbia Valley’s top vineyards. Here, it’s a partnership with Red Mountain’s most recognized site – Jim Holmes’ Ciel du Cheval – and it was created the same year Smith was named Seattle magazine’s top winemaker. The age-worthy blend is equal parts Cabernet Franc (38%) and Cabernet Sauvignon with equal parts Petit Verdot (12%) and Merlot, and it opens with enticing aromas of macerated black cherry and plum with dark chocolate and vanilla. Inside, it’s loaded with smooth, dark blue fruit flavors of black currant and plum. Rounded tannins and blackberry acidity combine with a drizzle of maple syrup to make for a luscious finish.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 394 cases

Alcohol: 14.4%

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About Great Northwest Wine

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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