Red Mountain pioneer Jim Holmes reached into California’s famed Tablas Creek for the Counoise that he established in 2000 among his 35 blocks at Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, and historic producers such as Ron Coleman (Tamarack Cellars) and Doug McCrea soon began bottling it on its own rather than as a blender as they do in the Rhône Valley. In recent years, Holmes Family Winery began holding onto some of those grape, resulting in this five-barrel lot. Aromas of fig, dried black cherry and white pepper are joined by cherry tomato. On the palate, it’s bright with Montmorency cherry, cola and dried strawberry, offering a nice bit of grip to pair with lean meats such as flank steak or a New York strip.
Rating: Excellent – 91 points
Production: 124 cases
Alcohol 14.8%
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