2004 Grand Reve Vintners Collaboration Series I Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain
When I last posted about this wine, I didn't like it - gave it an 80 and didn't really get what the wine was about. I thought maybe it was because it was the first run of Grand Reve and they still had some kinks to work out. But, turns out I may have gotten a bottle that, if not fully corked, was at the very least not the best bottle of the lot.
So, the good folks at Grand Reve saw my reaction and reached out with a new bottle of the 2004 and an additional bottle of the 2006. This new bottle was much better. I will stand by what I said that the Series I is not my favorite of the Grand Reve series (the Series III is my consistent favorite), but this 2004 showed much better than the previous bottle. Dark red fruits, menthol and bacon on the nose, followed by an additional mocha note on the palate. There is a definite savory undertone to this wine that can be off-putting to some, but to those who appreciate a savory note now and again (you know who you are, Cayuse fans), this is probably right up your alley.
My rating: 89 / Very Good
2006 Grand Reve Vintners Collaboration Series I Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain
On to the 2006...Grand Reve has clearly worked out some of the wrinkles of the 2004 and continue to improve the Series I. The 2006 offering is very strong, with a nose of dark cherry, Mexican chocolate and anise and a palate to match. Still some savory notes, like the 2004, but more integrated into the blend this time. Smooth and long finish. My pick of the two...
My rating: 91 / Outstanding
NOTE: these wines were sent to me as free samples.
When I last posted about this wine, I didn't like it - gave it an 80 and didn't really get what the wine was about. I thought maybe it was because it was the first run of Grand Reve and they still had some kinks to work out. But, turns out I may have gotten a bottle that, if not fully corked, was at the very least not the best bottle of the lot.
So, the good folks at Grand Reve saw my reaction and reached out with a new bottle of the 2004 and an additional bottle of the 2006. This new bottle was much better. I will stand by what I said that the Series I is not my favorite of the Grand Reve series (the Series III is my consistent favorite), but this 2004 showed much better than the previous bottle. Dark red fruits, menthol and bacon on the nose, followed by an additional mocha note on the palate. There is a definite savory undertone to this wine that can be off-putting to some, but to those who appreciate a savory note now and again (you know who you are, Cayuse fans), this is probably right up your alley.
My rating: 89 / Very Good
2006 Grand Reve Vintners Collaboration Series I Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain On to the 2006...Grand Reve has clearly worked out some of the wrinkles of the 2004 and continue to improve the Series I. The 2006 offering is very strong, with a nose of dark cherry, Mexican chocolate and anise and a palate to match. Still some savory notes, like the 2004, but more integrated into the blend this time. Smooth and long finish. My pick of the two...
My rating: 91 / Outstanding
NOTE: these wines were sent to me as free samples.
you are out of your mind