2018 Cabernet Franc Champoux

While Chris Camarda is happy to remain in the mix, winemaking responsibilities at Andrew Will are firmly in the capable hands of his son, Will Camarda. The transition started many years ago, but today it is pretty apparent. This is a portfolio that I have been following for over a decade. The wines are sourced from estate vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills and then shipped by refrigerated truck (a very common practice in Washington State) out west to their winery on Vashon Island. The Camarda family is always happy to open numerous older vintages and often pair them with cult California or First Growth Bordeaux counterparts to show how incredibly well they mature over time. Merlot dominates many of the blends, which is something I’ve always treasured about the style. For lovers of Left Bank Bordeaux, look to the Sorella, which is one of the top wines produced in the region year after year. Andrew Will communicates the region's sheer potential, yet it is still available in the market.

Will Carmada has been winemaker here since taking over from his father five years ago. A University of Washington graduate with background in Geology, Carmada regularly spends time in his vineyards. The wines from the standout 2018 vintage are rich and layered, yet well-balanced, highly age-worthy efforts. Over the past year I have tasted many older Andrew Will wines from the 1990s and 2000s, including a few marvelous 2002s. I have little doubt his new 2018s will cellar well for several decades.