Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard Red 06
Andrew Will wines are a study in integrated oak. The 2006 Champoux shows excellent fruit structure and balance and will evolve over the next decade or more. Having recently tasted a vertical of Will Champoux from 2002 through 2005, I can attest to the rewards of buying Champoux for your cellar.
The 2006 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard Red is absolutely classic Champoux. Seductive, pure aromas of ripe blackberries resonate with nuances of cocoa and smoke. At once dense and supple, the first burst of fruit expands and the layers of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, and cassis unfold. The unstoppable Champoux fruit keeps shining through the finish, while a ribbon of savory blueberry syrup dances with nutmeg, sage leaf, and earth.
Parker's Wine Advocate 93 points: "The 2006 Champoux Vineyard, a source of some of Washington’s finest old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon (as well as the principal component of Quilceda Creek’s renowned Cabernet) is purple-colored with an impressive display of smoky black fruits, pencil lead, and earth notes. On the palate, it is intense, rich, and layered with the structure and balance for a decade of evolution. This powerful effort should drink well from 2015 to 2030".
2005 Vintage Tasting Notes
Andrew Will Champoux Vineyards Red 05 received 94 points from Wine Advocate (Parker) 7/08. They said: "The 2005 Champoux Vineyard is made up of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Purple-colored, it delivers an alluring perfume of pain grille, spice box, and violets. On the palate, it is layered, intense, and powerful. Its impeccable balance should allow it to evolve for up to a decade and drink well through 2030."
Andrew Will's Champoux Red 05 received 94 Points from Wine Spectator (7-31-08) who said: "Seamless and harmonious, with beautifully articulated, ripe black cherry, cassis, and violet-tinged floral notes that mingle with hints of cedar and dark chocolate as the finish plays out against polished tannins. Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Best from 2009 through 2015." H.S.
2004 Vintage Parker 93 Points
The 2004 Champoux Vineyard is 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot, and 9% Petit Verdot. It spent 21 months in 35% new French oak. Less marked by oak and more complex than the Sorella bottling, it has a splendid bouquet of cedar, tobacco, vanilla, leather, cassis, and black currants. This is followed by a concentrated, dense wine with gobs of flavor, a velvety texture, excellent integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, and a seamless, 60+ second finish. It will evolve in the cellar for 5-7 years but is difficult to resist now. Chris Camarda's Andrew Will Cellars began in 1989 and currently produces 4300 cases of predominantly Bordeaux-style blends. They reflect Carmada's interpretation of each vineyard's terroir.
2003 Vintage Tasting Notes
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Andrew Will Champoux Red Wine -- Wine Advocate rating 93 points for 03 vintage.
