2021 Albariño, Ciel du Cheval Vineyards, Red Mountain AVA
In 2015, we decided that are vineyard was heavy on red wine varietals. We could be satisfied with simple making red wines, but we felt there was a place for white wine. We were not satisfied with that white grape varieties we had grown previously, so we started looking for new grape varieties. In 2017, we made the decision to try Albariño.
Great Albariño, comes from places that could not be more different than Ciel du Cheval. The soils are different, the climate is different, and the traditions are different. But we loved the Albarino. So, we once again, rolled the dice and planted a small half acre block. in 2021 we made our first wine. We were incredibly pleased with the results. It has everything we expect from an Albariño plus the hallmark character of our terroir, minerality. We love this wine and hope you will enjoy it as much as we do.
We recommend you serve this wine at straight from the refrigerator.
This is a terrific Summer Sipper. Chill it, sit on the deck, relax and enjoy. Crystal clear and straw yellow, the aroma opens with green apple, nectarine with notes of lime and grapefruit. The palate is mouthwatering and crisp with citrus flavors of lime and grapefruit. 110 cases produced.
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Varietal | Albariño |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Albariño |
| Appellation | Red Mountain |
| Vineyard | Ciel du Cheval |
| Harvest Date | 09/10/2021 |
| Acid | 5.8 g/l |
| PH | 3.34 |
| Fermentation | Selected Yeast, Stainless Steel mid-60s |
| Alcohol | 14.00% |
| Wine Style | Dry White Wine |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 01/28/2022 |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
| State of Origin | Washington |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
90 points, Decantur
Clive Pursehouse, 12/2/2022
A small, experimental block of Albariño was planted at Ciel du Cheval in 2017, and by small, I mean .2ha. This is a really rare variety in Washington and the only block on Red Mountain. The wine offers surprising brightness, with aromas of wet stone, time on the lees gives it ample complexity, with honeyed, waxy notes of pollen, chamomile and white flower. The palate offers juicy stone fruit balanced with mineral notes.
Paul Gregutt
Paulgwine.com, May 7, 2022
This pure varietal is one of a pair of interesting new plantings at Ciel de Cheval on Red Mountain (the other is Arneis). Succulent and sexy, this brings Meyer lemon, white peach, palate-pleasing minerality and a full, focused finish. It's a must-taste wine for anyone interested in seeing what else Washington (and Red Mountain) can do with white grapes.
90 pts. Owen Bargreen
One of the state’s finest renditions of this varietal that I have tasted, this 2021 Albarino comes off nicely salty with Marcona almond and cantaloupe flavors that combine with the bright minerality. Savor this over the next several years. Drink 2022-2026
