2015 Syrah Ciel du Cheval, Red Mountain
2015 was one of the warmer years we have ever experienced on Red Mountain, and for that matter across the American west. An unusually warm spring led to one of the earliest bud breaks ever experienced. The warmer than normal weather persisted throughout the rest of summer and in to the Fall. In response to the heat, we changed our normal canopy (foliage) positioning to provide more shade to thefruit, protecting it from damage. The additional shade resulted in fruit that was intense in color with intense dark fruit flavors and aromas and intense tannins.
To take advantage of the fruit intensity we combined three different clones of Syrah to create this wine. Two clones are known for having a highly intense palate, while the third is known for create remarkably delicate aromatics. We balanced the intense fruit characteristics with 30% new French oak.
With four years of bottle age, this wine is approachable now, but will age well for seven to ten years.
An incredible intense Syrah from beginning to end. On the nose, the wine starts with intense aromas of black fruits mingling with whiffs of tobacco, flowers, wood, and herbs. The first taste fills your mouth from side to side with blackberry, cassis and of course the signature blueberry flavors of Syrah. A moment or two later, new notes reminiscent of Liquorice, dark chocolate, herbs, and pencil lead emerge to mingle with the fruit. Underneath the flavors, the tannins are gently building as the wine moves towards the long dusty finish expected from a Red Mountain wine. 288 Cases Produced.
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Varietal | 100% Syrah |
| Appellation | Red Mountain |
| Vineyard | Ciel du Ceval |
| Alcohol | 14.50% |
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
| State of Origin | Washington |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
