2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval, Red Mountain
Cabernet Sauvignon was first planted at Ciel du Cheval in 1975. It was a small planting, just a half an acre. At the time it was considered a bit of an experiment. The experiment succeed, producing Cabernet Sauvignon of great intensity and plush tannins. Since then five additional blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon have been planted and two additional blocks are being planted in the spring of 2016. 100% of the Cabernet Sauvignon in this wine comes from the "Cab Sauv 01" block. At the time of harvest this block was thirteen years old. The soils are a mix of a loamy fine sand and silt loam. The 01 block tilts very slightly to the north. (For more details go to map)
The 2013 growing season was a nearly ideal season. Spring and summer temperatures were slightly warmer than normal with a few heat spikes. In the fall the weather cooled down. Daytime temperatures shifted to the low eighties while the nighttime temperatures were in the upper forties. The cool fall weather allowed lengthy hang time, during which time fruit was able to develop rich flavors and dense but gentle tannins, while the cooler nights helped preserve acidity.
Harvested on September 29th , the grapes were destemmed, crushed and were separated into two lots. One lot was placed in wooden oak barrels for fermentation, while the second lot was fermented in an open top fermenter. Once fermentation was complete the wine was placed in four separate oak barrels (50% New French Oak). The wine was aged for 22 months and bottled in July 2015.
Aromas of raspberries, blackberries and plums leap out of the glass at first and are followed by toasty spicy notes. The palate is superbly balanced with penetrating acidity. The long finish reveals fine but gentle tannins. 99 cases produced. 90 Points The Wine Advocate. Learn more ...
| Vintage | 2013 |
| Varietal | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clone UCD 8) |
| Appellation | Red Mountain |
| Vineyard | Ciel du Ceval |
| Acid | .55 g/100 ml |
| PH | 3.82 |
| Aging | 22 months 50% New French Oak |
| Fermentation | 100% Open Top Fermenter |
| Alcohol | 14.73% |
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 07/07/2015 |
90 Points, The Wine Advocate
Anthony Mueller, April 14, 2021
With a deep ruby core, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a dusty, dark-fruited essence with aromas of blackberry jus, plum reduction and black cherry skin with a tight mineral dustiness. With a full body and 14.7% alcohol, the wine offers a balanced frame with firm tannins and impressive mineral tension that perfectly captures the essence of Red Mountain minerality. The dark, dusty fruit continues to sway on the palate with elements of soft vanilla and baking spice tones before ending with lingering tannic grip. The wine will be food friendly for five to seven more years. Just under 1,200 bottles were produced. Drink Date: 2021-2028.
19/20 points, Review of Washington Wines
By Rand Sealy
This 100% Cabernet exhibits a semi opaque ruby color and a classic nose of blackberries, black cherries, black plums, black roses, bayberry, sweet tobacco, sandalwood, cedar, olive and incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with bold dark fruits that are infused with licorice, dark cocoa, Sumatra roast, and Red Mountain scorched earth. The intensity continues on the back with sensations of macerated berries, roasted walnuts, mocha and graphite, followed by a lingering dusty tannin finish
2013 Production Team
A grower owned winery, Côtes de Ciel was founded in 2012 by the Holmes family of Ciel du Cheval Vineyards. At Côtes de Ciel, we believe that all wine starts its journey in the vineyard and moves through the winery. Throughout this process, many people make a significant contribution and impact on the wine. Below are a few of the key people that impacted the 2013 vintage.
|
Richard Holmes |
Winemaker |
|
Ryan Johnson |
Vineyard Manger |
|
Elizabeth Jones |
Assistant Vineyard Manager |
|
Jim and Pat Holmes |
Grapegrower |
|
Charlies Hoppes |
Consultant - Winemaking |
|
Mitch Venohr |
Consultant - WInemaking |
|
Hilary Sojlund |
Consultant - Enology |
Click on the links below to get information about our
other vintages.
2013
2012
