March 24, 2021 - I’m not sure if this is an exceptionally good Ciel cab, or if I’m in shock at how good this is for a 2011 vintage. Either way it was exceeding enjoyable over two nights, and definitely improved on the second day.
October 8, 2020 - Poof, and the bottle was gone. Probably the easiest drinking Fidelitas I have ever tasted, in a sweet spot where CdC fruit from a so-called off year is really singing.
Characteristics ( one hour decant): dark berries, a touch of bramble and cigar on nose. Smooth tannins, lovely balance, medium+ finish
July 17, 2020 - Good. Pop and pour. Nose with black cherry, chocolate with a touch of vanilla and cedar toast. On the palate, soft acidity, cassis and black cherry liqueur, a bit headier than I remember, finely grained tannin on the black cherry finish. I think my last btl was probably better.
February 13, 2019 - This is another nice one from Fidelitas. Better after an hour decant for more immediate use.
December 1, 2018 - Softened up a lot. Still good though. Supple, lots of black cherry, chocolate, minerals.
February 21, 2018 - Pop and pour. Spot on now. Nice nose with cocoa, lota of black fruit, vanilla and a touch of herbs. On the palate, good acidity, followed by red and black fruit...caramelized strawberries, and a touch of pepper. Fine tannin that has softened nicely. Excellent now, and while this could develop more secondary, it is very good right now.
December 21, 2017 - Very nice smooth balanced wine. Another good wine from Fidelitas.
November 23, 2017 - Decanted for thanksgiving.
Excellent wine.
October 29, 2016 - Decanted and vinturi one hour
Dark fruit, cassis, touch of cedar
Smooth soft tannins, good structure, nicely balanced fruit and subtle oak
Unmistakably Ciel du Cheval - attractive green notes integrate seamlessly as meal progresses
December 20, 2014 - Opened at 3pm, double decanted and left open until about 8pm. We drank this alongside a 2010, 2011 and 2012 Quilceda Creek CVR. This wine was still fairly closed even after that much air, and I think the drink by dates are good. It was fairly seriously structured and the empty bottle smells good the next day, i.e., not oxidized and hot. There is dark fruit, spice, some cassis on the nose. Good acidity. We clearly opened this too early, but I think this has a lot of potential. A word on tastes: I have pretty uniformly liked the wines from this cooler vintage and they seem more balanced than other years. In any case, I won't touch my other bottles until the beginning of the suggested drinking window.