Cadence Ciel du Cheval 2018

The beautiful 2018 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine has many moving parts. It’s made from 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Cabernet Franc with smaller amounts of Merlot and a good dollop of Petit Verdot (12%). Garrigue and green bell pepper notes pop off from the PV as suggestions of tar, anise and volcanic ash aromas brilliantly combine. The palate shows serious heft without coming off overly heavy. Seamless, with plenty of ripe dark fruits, chocolate and tobacco flavors, this is elegant Red Mountain personified. Try to resist this beauty for at least another year, and then give it two hours in the decanter. Drinking window: 2022-2038. Score – 95. (Dr. Owen Bargreen, vinous.com, March 2022)