The 2016 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, begins with a red-fruited nose with dusty core of mineral-rich earth and red, floral bouquet wafts. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, the wine expresses flavors of black plum and dusty, dark cherry, showing a clean and spicy wine with a tannic core that is still grippy. The wine will age well or can be enjoyed now with its food-friendly expression at its current stage

Violet, cassis, blueberry, cedar, and graphite notes all emerge from the 2016 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, which is from a great vineyard on Red Mountain. A blend of 57% Merlot and 43% Cabernet Franc brought up in 25% new oak, it’s young and primordial, with loads of fruit balanced by good acidity, but it needs time to come together