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2017 Canvasback Red Mountain Cabernet Franc Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard

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With ideal soils and a dry desert climate, Red Mountain produces some of the most compelling and distinctive red wines in the New World. One of the region’s oldest and most renowned vineyards, Ciel du Cheval was established in 1975, and for decades it has been the source for some of Red Mountain’s most extraordinary bottlings. This barrel selection of our finest lots from Ciel du Cheval offers a classic expression of Red Mountain, combining layers of blackberry, Kirsch and violet with hints of graphite and crushed-rock minerality.

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James Suckling

Wine Advocate

Wine Profile

Production Notes

Varietal Composition: 83% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes

Remarkably fresh and complex, this Cabernet Franc opens with vibrant layers of raspberry, cranberry, crushed herbs and orange blossom. As it evolves, fascinating secondary aromas of tea leaves, coriander, sarsaparilla, and high-desert dust rise from the glass. Picked right at the intersection between fruit ripeness and savory expression, the palate is equally bright and energetic, showing strong mineral and savory hints of graphite, granite dust, and pink peppercorns to complement the alluring fruit.

Production

A cold winter resulted in a later start to the season, with budbreak in late April and bloom in early June. The cool weather continued into spring, resulting in slow and measured growth and a smaller-than-average crop. Temperatures warmed up beautifully in summer, but with no significant heat events the fruit was able to ripen at an ideal pace. The perfect conditions continued into fall, providing abundant hangtime. With lower yields, the 2017 wines have incredible concentration and unusually plush tannins. At the same time, the smaller crop resulted in excellent natural acidity, producing wines with grace and vibrant freshness.