The Buzz 2004
Abbinare
88 points
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, August 2007
Cheval and Champoux. Snappy and crisply defined, this sharp-edged wine opens with tight berry flavors, some chalky acids, and grainy, stony tannins. It shows less flesh than the other reds, more acid, and a stiffness to the tannins. After extensive airing the vanilla flavors come out, along with an interesting spice. The fruit is clean and ripe, and the balance, except possibly for the chalky acids, is right on. -- P.G. (8/1/2007) — Paul Gregutt
90 points
Wine Spectator, June 2007
Firm in texture and generous with its green olive-scented red cherry and red currant flavors. Finishes with a beguiling combination of tangy and creamy, the spicy oak notes adding intrigue as the finish persists. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2008 through 2012. 175 cases made. ‚ÄìHS — Harvey Steiman
Ciel du Cheval Vineyard
91 points
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, August 2007
The blend is 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Another fine effort from this young winery. Here is classic styling from a great vineyard source, with beautiful definition, and gorgeous, refined and sculpted fruit framed in concise, molded, firm tannins. The tart red fruit is wrapped in crisp acids and finished with tight, hard, slightly bitter tannins. The penetration and elegance of this wine are what stand out; it's young and compact and suggests a long life ahead. -- P.G. (8/1/2007) — Paul Gregutt
Miscela
89 points
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, August 2007
The blend is 40% Merlot, 36% Cab Sauvignon and 24% Cab Franc. Full and fleshy, with broad flavors of black cherry and blackberry. Though plenty ripe and round, the fruit is punctuated with some grainy, dusty, smoky tannins. It's a nice combination, the fruit opening up the wine and the tannins giving it authority. The finish is light but pretty, with hints of oaky butter and cinnamon. -- P.G. (8/1/2007) — Paul Gregutt
Syrah
92 points
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, August 2007
Lush, thick and chewy, with rich purple and black fruits, pepper and a finish of vanilla cream. The tannins are substantial but not intrusive; they carry a sensation of rock and graphite. Flavors extend themselves gracefully; the ripe fruit remains front and center, but it finishes with plenty of nuanced rock and spice and hints of herb. An exceptional effort. -- P.G. (8/1/2007) — Paul Gregutt