When Ciel du Cheval Vineyard was planted on Red Mountain in 1975, Richard Holmes was there assisting his father, Jim Holmes, alongside members of four other families (including John and Scott Williams of Kiona Vineyard fame). In 2012, after 37 years of growing grapes for some of the most hailed wineries in Washington, Richard and his family decided to allot a portion of their fruit to craft small-lot estate wines under the Côtes de Ciel label. Vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA, including Ciel du Cheval, are predominantly known for their distinctive red Bordeaux varietals. But over the years the Holmes grew interested in planting a couple of their favorite white varieties, settling on the exotic Arneis, a floral Italian grape, and Albariño, a crisp white with origins from the Iberian Peninsula. The current releases are standouts with defining characters of subtle fruit and trilling minerality.
Côtes de Ciel 2021 Red Mountain AVA Arneis
93 pts.
Arneis is an aromatic white grape that has been popular in Italy for centuries. This is the first Washington producer to plant and grow this exotic variety. Give it time to unwind and you will be rewarded with aromas of citrus, vanillan, fresh garden herbs and meadow flowers. The palate offers distinctive D’anjou pear, honey crisp apple and tarragon, with an underlay of citrus mingled with slight almond and chalk notes. Texturally focused through the finish. $25
Côtes de Ciel 2021 Red Mountain AVA Albariño
94 pts.
The Red Mountain AVA is renowned for producing red varietals, but this white wine is texturally proficient, with stellar midrange weight and elegant balance. Pineapple, nectarine and lemon flavors merge in unison, imparting lasting impressions of mineral and dusty chalk. There’s a beguiling synergy that ties all the elements together with a distinct sense of terroir. $25
To learn more about this winery visit the website at https://cotesdeciel.com/.