2010 Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval Vineyard

The most structured and tannic of the lineup, the 2010 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine is a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 16% Petit Verdot and 13% Cabernet Franc that spent 23 months in 40% new French oak. Floral and spice-dominated on the nose, with a core of currant, lead pencil and dusty pebble-like minerality showing more with air, it has a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, solid mid-palate depth and serious, yet fine grained, tannin on the finish. It needs a solid 2-3 years to integrate its structure, yet should have a solid 12-15+ years or more of ultimate longevity. Drink 2015-2025. This is a solid lineup by winemaker Casey McClellan and the wines possess classic, textbook profiles across the board. Tel. (509) 529-7198; www.sevenhillswinery.com