Happy Saturday! It's been somewhat rainy here today, so I've been stuck indoors, reading and doing some work on the computer. But now it's time to make some dinner and have a nice glass of wine. For this evening, I've opened a bottle of 2015 Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval, a classic Bordeaux style blend from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington. I visited Walla Walla in August of 2015, and I can attest that it was a remarkably warm vintage with harvest beginning earlier than any year in recent memory. We'll see what impact that heat had on the wine, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (41%), Merlot (36%), Petit Verdot (13%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). So let's see how this wine is tasting!
The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with an inky center, reflecting the character of its two main varietals. The nose is an interesting combination of ripe blackberry and cherry intermingled with some floral notes of lilac, with undertones of earth. The taste is a rush of ripe blackberry and cherry, with notes of fig and black pepper midpalate. The tannins are well structured, providing nice body to the long, smooth dry finish that lingers on the palate with a reprise of black pepper spice.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classically styled Washington red blend that marries new world fruit with old world style. This wine would pair well with lamb, steaks, pasta or risotto, or even just sipping on it's own on a warm late summer evening. Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Prime New York strip, with some grilled leeks and peppers, along with some steamed purple cauliflower. Cheers!
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