Spectacular, with opening young wine characteristics displaying naturally tart, spicy mixed red fruits. New barrel flavors of chocolate, smoke and toast are out in front, but right behind is glorious fruit-fully ripe, sweet and succulent, concentrated and rich. It finishes gracefully with nuances of iron filings and fresh herb.

The candied black cherry-scented 2003 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is fashioned from 42% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. A seductive, lush, medium to full-bodied effort, its satin-textured core is generously filled with red cherries, raspberries, and blackberries. This wine's supple finish, which reveals additional bursts of sweet, pure red fruits and exquisitely ripened tannin, is admirably long. Projected maturity: 2007-2022.

Supple, velvety and beautifully focused to display its floral blackberry and currant flavors, hinting at cream and red pepper. Knits the tannins together with the flavors to produce a muscular structure that somehow remains gentle through the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2008 through 2015.