Introduction
Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard Red 2017 is a profound and highly esteemed red wine that showcases the exceptional quality of a single, iconic vineyard in Washington State. Champoux Vineyard, located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, is widely considered one of the state’s grand cru sites, known for its deep, sandy, and well-drained soils, consistent sun exposure, and cooling winds from the Columbia River. These factors create optimal conditions for cultivating Bordeaux varietals that yield grapes of intense concentration, fine tannins, and remarkable ageability. Andrew Will Winery, founded by Chris Camarda, has long been a champion of single-vineyard expressions, allowing the unique character of specific sites to shine. Their focus on minimal intervention winemaking further emphasizes the purity of the fruit and terroir. The 2017 vintage in Washington was generally excellent, yielding grapes with optimal ripeness and balance, positioning this Champoux Vineyard Red as a sophisticated, complex, and authentic testament to both Andrew Will’s philosophy and the unparalleled pedigree of this legendary vineyard.
Character Description
The Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard Red 2017 displays a brilliant, deep ruby-purple hue, almost opaque. It offers an intensely aromatic and captivating bouquet of dense black currant, ripe black cherry, and cassis, elegantly interwoven with opulent notes of cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, subtle dried herbs (like sage), and a hint of dark chocolate. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied and wonderfully rich, powerful texture, with concentrated dark fruit and savory flavors that mirror the nose. It’s supported by firm, yet exquisitely fine-grained tannins that provide superb backbone and a long, expansive finish, balanced by a vibrant acidity that ensures freshness and and remarkable precision. The finish is exceptionally long, nuanced, and remarkably harmonious, leaving a lingering impression of profound dark fruit intensity, complex savory notes, and the powerful, age-worthy depth characteristic of a truly epic Washington State Bordeaux blend.
Perfect Pairings
This monumental and expressive Washington State red blend is an exceptional partner for a wide range of robust and intensely flavorful dishes, perfectly complementing its profound richness and structure. It pairs beautifully with grilled prime cuts of red meat (such as Wagyu ribeye, dry-aged porterhouse, or lamb chops), slow-braised beef short ribs, venison stew, and rich mushroom dishes. Its powerful tannins and dark fruit also make it an ideal accompaniment to aged, hard cheeses (like aged Gouda, strong cheddar, or Comté), truffle-infused pasta, and savory charcuterie. The wine’s commanding presence and layered complexity make it a fantastic choice for a grand celebratory feast, a distinguished dinner, or for those who appreciate a truly full-throttle and age-worthy red wine that develops beautifully over time. Decanting for at least two hours is highly recommended to allow its full expression.
About the Winery
Andrew Will Winery, founded by the late Chris Camarda in 1989, is one of Washington State’s most revered and influential wineries, known for its dedication to crafting exceptional, terroir-driven red wines. Camarda’s philosophy was rooted in a belief that great wine begins in the vineyard, leading him to meticulously source grapes from the state’s most esteemed sites, with a particular focus on single-vineyard expressions. Andrew Will emphasizes minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the purity of the fruit and the unique character of each vineyard to shine through. Their commitment to producing age-worthy Bordeaux and Rhône varietal blends has solidified their reputation as a benchmark for quality and authenticity in Washington wine, showcasing the profound potential of the region’s top vineyards.
