Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval 2016

I loved the 2016 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine, a classic Red Mountain Bordeaux blend that does everything right. Notes of cassis, black raspberries, crushed rocks, and lead pencil all flow to a full-bodied Cabernet that has loads of sweet fruit, building tannin, and the classic minerality and savoriness of the appellation. It will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for 15+. The 2016 is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, all brought up in 50% new French oak, bottled with no fining. Score – 93. (jebdunnuck.com, April 11, 2019)