Made with a splash of Merlot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval Vineyard begins with the scent of new money from new French oak usage before notes of dusty blackberries, dark plum and sage jump out of the glass. Full-bodied, the Cabernet displays a tight mineral tension with layers of dark red and black fruit tones before offering a firm, tannic edge that will remain food-friendly through this decade. The wine ends with a delightfully lingering finish with persistent flavors of graphite, dark cherry skin and cinnamon. Just under 4,700 bottles were filled after the wine rested for 20 months in a mix of new and used French oak barrels. Give it a try.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is somewhat firmer, harder and more angular than the Champoux and Red Mountain bottlings, concluding with a drying finish. It's accordingly less successful.

Charcoal, dark chocolate, licorice, violets and leafy herbs all emerge from the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, and this beauty is nicely textured, medium+ bodied and has good acidity. A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, it's a supple, sexy red to drink over the coming 4-7 years.

Another pure, elegant, focused effort is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, which incorporates 4% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and spent 20 months in 50% new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by classic Ciel du Cheval spring flower characteristics as well as lots of crème de cassis, graphite and dried earth. Medium to full-bodied, silky and polished, it could use a touch more density and depth, but shines for its purity and light texture. Drink it over the coming decade.

Another wine that’s possibly the best vintage to date, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, which incorporates 20% Merlot, offers the telltale graphite, dried earth and crushed rock qualities of Red Mountain to go with a core of kirsch, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and balanced, give it 2-3 years and enjoy bottle through 2027.