Andrew Will Merlot Columbia Valley 08

I'm not the only wine lover who has missed Chris Camarda's Merlot. I ended up drinking the better part of a case of his last single-varietal Merlot - 2002 Klipsun Vineyard - so I'm very excited about the return of an AW Merlot. The 2008 is classic Washington Merlot: handfuls of dark cherries and plums, cedar, and sweet tobacco are supported by nice tannins that add backbone and just the right grip. I can't think of a better Washington Merlot for the price.

A beautiful Merlot, structured with 25% Cabernet Franc, benefiting from the extraordinary vineyard source for the Merlot. Ciel du Cheval fruit normally goes into Andrew Will's $55-$80 reds.

50% Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Merlot
25% Andrew Will's Two Blondes Vineyard Merlot
15% Ciel du Cheval Cabernet Franc
10% Andrew Will's Two Blondes Vineyard Cabernet Franc