Sans

Wine Profile

Production Notes

Varietal Composition: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot

Winemaker Notes

Once again, Ciel du Cheval has produced a profoundly terroir-driven wine with perfumed aromas of crushed violet and lilac, cherry pie, red raspberry, strawberry, sagebrush and pink peppercorns. The palate is supple and shapely, with a soft entry and fine, silky tannins framing the ripe red berry flavors, with hints of slivered almond and nougat emerging on the long, satisfying finish.

Production

The 2021 vintage on Red Mountain will be famous for its warm growing season and its drought conditions, which combined to produce historically low yields. While budbreak was two weeks ahead of normal thanks to a warm, dry spring, blustery weather during flowering caused some shatter leading to very low yields. A late-June heatwave led to incredible phenolic development, while a second heatwave during veraison spurred the vines towards early ripening. Harvest started early, with ideal weather throughout September and October, and concluded two weeks ahead of schedule without any pressure from frost or rain. Due to the low yields and intense midsummer heat, our 2021 wines are displaying incredible power, ripeness and concentration.