Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard Red 08

Review:

2008 Wine Advocate - 95 points - The 2008 Champoux Vineyard is made up of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. It sports an inviting bouquet of sandalwood, rose petal, Asian spices, a hint of leather, black currant, and blackberry. This is followed by a succulent, plush, pleasure-bent wine that deftly conceals enough structure to evolve for 5-7 years. It offers a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2028+." - Jay Miller

2008 Wine Spectator - 93 points - Powerful, focused and compelling for its layers of black cherry, mineral, animal and spice flavors, swirling together on the beautifully constructed finish. This has presence, depth and distinction, with miles to go. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. H.S.

Best since 2005 - those are the first 3 words I wrote. The aromas are a little shy but come to life quickly and then pow! Black cherry, blue berry, a dash of super deep black fruit with something that I can only describe as savory-earthy-mouthwatering-damn-I-love-this. This has amazing depth, with levity in the form of subtle crushed herbs mingling with tannins on the finish.

One of Avalon's most anticipated releases each year. From some of the oldest vines in Washington comes this powerhouse red. Beautiful black cherry, intense blueberry, and dark cocoa aromas, with pretty violet accents. Taking a sip is like biting into a warm black cherry/black plum gallette, with flavors cascading and expanding. The fine tannins are present but nicely integrated and the balance is perfect. A minute later minerals, earth, and sweetness linger.

The 2008 Champoux is made from 30 year old vines from Champoux - Washington's top vineyard. 46% Cabernet, 26% Merlot, 23% Cab Franc, 5% Petit Verdot.

Parker comments, in Parker's Wine Buyers Guide 5th Edition, that "Andrew Will's wines have virtually perfect tannins. They are present but buffered by the loads of dominating sweet fruit. Furthermore, what is amazing about Chris Camarda's wines is that they are concentrated yet grateful. Camarda's (wines) blend power with elegance, concentration with finesse, and supersweet fruit with definition. Chris Camarda is a brilliant winemaker."