2021 VINTAGE REVIEWS
2021 Enthusiasm Grenache, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Red Mountain, 92 points, Critic’s Choice
The aromas pop, with notes of fresh raspberry, wild strawberry, dried herb, and whiffs of smoked meat. Fresh, vital, full-bodied flavors follow, with a pleasing kiss of orange rind notes. There’s piercing purity throughout as well as beguiling texture. It’s tasty. 14.1% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 80 cases produced.
2021 Wisdom Mourvèdre, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Red Mountain, 92 points, Critic’s Choice
100% varietal, this wine was aged in French oak puncheons (69% new). Aromas of Rainier cherry, fresh herb, red licorice, clove, and scorched earth lead to a supple, achingly pure, fruit-filled palate. It sticks around for a long time on the cranberry-filled the finish. This wine isn’t about brawn. It’s about class, and the purity is completely enchanting. Decant. 14.0% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 80 cases produced.
2021 Charisma Cabernet Sauvignon, Conner Lee Vineyard, 91 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine comes from 1987 plantings at this highly regarded site near Radar Hill. 100% varietal, it was whole berry fermented and aged 18 months in French oak (66% new). The aromas are still in their shell, with brooding notes of dried herb, barrel spice, tea leaf, and red and black cherry. Well-balanced black cherry and pink grapefruit flavors follow. It shows a fascinating interplay between the warmth of the vintage and the coolness of the site. 14.3% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 75 cases produced.
2021 Sincerity Syrah, Wallula Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, 91 points, Critic’s Choice
Horse Heaven Hills shows intriguing promise for Syrah. This producer has been one of several wineries shining a spotlight on the area. Aromas of purple flower, smoked meat, orange rind, green herb, and olive lead to svelte, juicy fruit flavors, framed by bright acidity. The weight wavers at times, but the purity never does, keeping the interest up. Pair it with food to see it at its best. It would shine with grilled pork loin topped with a cherry reduction. 14.2% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 200 cases produced.
2021 Vitality Malbec, Conner Lee Vineyard, Columbia Valley, 91 points, Critic’s Choice
Fruit for this wine was whole berry fermented. It was subsequently aged 18 months in new Hungarian (66%) and second fill French oak. The aromas are perfumed, with notes of tangerine essence, black pepper, green herb, and plum, with the variety unmistakable. A supple, flavorful palate follows. Barrel notes provide sweet spice accents on the finish. It’s a very pretty offering of Malbec. 14.0% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 75 cases produced.
2021 Fortitude Bordeaux Style Blend, Columbia Valley, 91 points, Critic’s Choice
This is a blend of Ciel du Cheval Merlot (63%) and Olsen Cabernet Sauvignon (37%). It was aged 18 months in American (60%) and French oak. Aromas of barrel spice, red and black fruit, cinnamon stick, and licorice lead to well-balanced, somewhat reserved fruit flavors, with pleasing freshness. It beautifully balances winemaker style and the warmth of the vintage. Decant. 14.2% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 120 cases produced.
2021 Temperance Cabernet Franc, Weinbau Vineyard, Wahluke Slope, 91 points
Whole berry fermented and aged 18 months in French oak (25% new), the aromas bring notes of braised green and jalapeño pepper along with black cherry. The flavors are supple and balanced. It hangs around for a long time on the finish. The aromas might be too green for some tastes. Others will swoon. 14.2% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 100 cases produced.
2021 Unity GSM Blend, Columbia Valley, 91 points
This wine is half Wallula Syrah, 33% Ciel du Cheval Mourvèdre, and 17% Ciel Grenache. It was aged 18 months in French oak (25% new). The aromas are subdued and high register, with notes of red cherry, raspberry, white pepper, and tangerine peel. Full-feeling red fruit flavors follow. It’s still in its shell, but there is plenty of promise poking out. 14.1% alcohol. TCA-free micro-agglomerated cork. 100 cases produced.
