The Ciel du Cheval vineyard was among the first planted on Red Mountain. Today it's in the hands of second generation winegrower Richard Holmes, who has begun experimenting with these two non-traditional white varieties. Arneis is a northern Italian grape rarely seen in the U.S. Holmes thinks this is a first for Washington. It's tart, tight, sharp and strikingly good. There's a clear focus on citrus and apple fruit and rind, balanced throughout with generous acidity and a peppery finish. Albariño may be a bit more familiar, especially those versions imported from Spain. This Red Mountain example is succulent and sexy with Meyer lemon, white peach, palate-pleasing minerality and a full, focused finish. These are must-taste wines for anyone interested in exploring new white wine frontiers in Washington. Both wines are priced at $25 and may be purchased from the Côtes de Ciel website or at their downtown Walla Walla tasting room.

https://cotesdeciel.orderport.net/wines/Current-Releases