By Double Canyon
2017 Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine Red Mountain

Double Canyon
Established in 2017, Double Canyon's driving focus is crafting exceptional Washington Cabernet Sauvignon from great vineyard sites, anchored by our namesake Double Canyon Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills. Named for two ravines that run through our estate property, Double Canyon wines reflect unique traits resulting from the region's volcanic activity, ancient glacial deposits, desert soils, and the persistent wind that blows off the Columbia River.

Red Mountain
In our quest to produce terroir-centric Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington's best appellations, we looked to Red Mountain, a small AVA located at the eastern edge of Yakima Valley, directly adjacent to our winery. Warmer than both Walla Walla Valley and Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain benefits from heat, low rainfall, and sandy loam and gravel soils that produce highly concentrated fruit. These conditions result in smaller berries, and higher tannin presence, which is why Red Mountain wines are renowned for their powerful, robust nature.

Winemaker's Notes
This wine is sourced from the famed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, one of the oldest and most sought-after vineyards in the Northwest. Deep fine sandy loam soils, southwest-facing slopes, fan-trained vines, and an annual rainfall of 5-6 inches help create graceful wines. Each varietal was picked and vinified separately and blended very early during the winter, succeeding the harvest. The wine goes back to barrel before bottling.

Tasting Notes
This wine has a soft entry and is generous and plush, with an enveloping palate that is intriguing and complex. The most prominent expressions in the wine are dried herbs and forest floor, bright cherries, and earth tones. This wine finishes with a whisper and compels you to take another sip to experience it all over again.

Technical Notes
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Alcohol: 14.60%
Barrel Regimen: 22 months in 50% new French oak
Release Date: August 2019
[Information provided by Crimson Wine Group]

DOUBLE CANYON Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain 2017
Score: 92
Country: United States
Region: Yakima Valley
Issue: Mar 31, 2020
A compact structure up front fleshes out midpalate as spirited black cherry, espresso and black olive notes build richness toward fine-grained tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2021 through 2029. - TF

Double Canyon 2017 Red Mountain Ciel du Cheval Vineyard
Rating: 91
[...] mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is intense, with scents of candied blueberries, rosemary and cedar fronds. It's spicy and chewy at once, that core of dark blue fruit hemmed in by fierce tannins. If you pour it now, decant it for roast beef; better yet, tuck it into the cellar. -P.J.C.
(02/20)

Double Canyon 2017 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red (Red Mountain)
Points: 90
Designation: Ciel du Cheval Vineyard
Variety: Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Appellation: Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, Washington, US
Winery: Double Canyon
Alcohol: 14.60%
Bottle Size: 750.00 ml
Category: Red
Date Published: 1/1/2020
Reviewed by Sean P. Sullivan
Coming from one of the state's premier vineyards, this wine has appealing aromas of graphite, blackberry, licorice, spice, black coffee and black cherry, which are followed by well-balanced, medium-bodied dark fruit flavors with tightly wound, slightly gruff tannins that need some time. It shows a sense of poise and polish. Best after 2023.