2012 Andrew Will "Champoux Vineyard" Horse Heaven Hills Proprietary Red

One of the more backwards, structured efforts, the 2012 Champoux Vineyard is a blend of 64% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon that was raised in 35% new French oak. Full-bodied, serious and loaded with tannin, it offers impressive currant and darker fruits, tobacco leaf and crushed rock like aromas and flavors that continue to gain depth and richness with time in the glass. It should hit full maturity at around age 10, and nicely for a decade or more after that. These latest 2012s from Chris Camarda are easily some of the best wines I‰۪ve tasted from him and they have everything; texture, richness, balance and structure. Chris continues to think 2007 is his best vintage (we tasted his 2007 Sorrella during the visit and it‰۪s an incredible wine) to date, and he describes 2012 as a ‰ÛÏbigger 2008.‰۝ Nevertheless, I think these 2012s will rival the 2007s in another 4-5 years. (JD)