Andrew Will Winery Champoux Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills 2009

"The Andrew Will 2009 Champoux – which comprises 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot – offers a terrific example of the combination of richness and textural polish with lift and energy that Washington State vineyards, and especially this one, can supply. Both blond and smoky Latakia tobaccos join black raspberry, purple plum and cassis, which are shadowed by their high-toned distilled essences. Hints of vanilla and nutmeg – perhaps from barrel (ca. 40% new); or perhaps part and parcel of Champoux fruit – are subtly complementary, while a saline savor grows in this beauty’s long finish, stimulating the salivary glands as well as the urge to take another sip. Expect this to excel for a decade. Camarda bottled his first Champoux vineyard designate from 1999, a pure Cabernet. Once fruit from the other cepages became available, he began bottling a blend of them all."

93 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Supple, elegant and gentle, unfurling its black currant, tar and floral flavors with grace, underlining them with refined tannins that allow the flavors to linger with delicacy. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot."

92 Points

Wine Spectator

"This is a powerful, dense blend of mostly Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc with a little Merlot. Though unformed for now, all of the elements are there: a firm tannic structure, a dusty compote of dark red fruit that feels young and fresh-picked. It needs years in the cellar before deployment on a steak."

91 Points

Wine & Spirits