2012 Cadence Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Columbia Valley RP--94

Robert Parker: 94 Points
eRobertParker.com #219 Jun 2015 Jeb Dunnuck 94 Drink: 2015 - 2035 $46 (45) A blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 12% Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 40% new French oak, the 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard has lifted notes of black raspberry, black cherry, violets, spring flowers and vanilla bean. This gives way to a full-bodied, thrillingly balanced and concentrated palate that has building tannin, a stacked mid-palate and a great finish. Short-term cellaring is advised here, and it will have two decades or more of longevity. These latest releases from Ben Smith at Cadence are the best I’ve tasted from him. They all have classic Red Mountain characters, yet also have lots of finesse and elegance as well. While I normally don’t find much qualitative differences between his estate-vineyard releases (Cara Mia and Bel Canto) and his other two single-vineyard releases, in 2012 I thought the estate vineyard wines excelled. Lovers of Bordeaux variety wines need to get on this estate’s bandwagon ASAP.