Exhibiting aromas and flavors composed of red cherries, raspberries, cassis, blackberries, sweet herbs, and allspice, the softly-textured 2001 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard appears to get better every time I taste it. On this, my third visit with this beauty, I was once again enamored of its elegance, precision, purity, and length. Medium-bodied and seamless, this harmonious seductress is redolent with sweetly herbal fruit that drowns its sublimely ripe tannin. Anticipated maturity: now-2017. This winery, named after Chris and Annie Camarda’s nephew, Andrew, as well as son, Will, used to produce a bevy of Merlots and Cabernets from contracted vineyards. Recently, however, it has evolved towards the production of Bordeaux-style blends that reflect Chris’s perception of each vineyard’s terroir. Klipsun Vineyard, located in the Red Mountain AVA (American Viticultural Area), remains the exception to Camarda’s newly found “meritage” philosophy.Tel. (206) 463-9227 www.andrewwill.com

A big wine, but perfectly blended and balanced, with nuanced flavors that mix fruit and stone. Sweet cherry fruit stands out, with some blueberry and roasted coffee beneath. This is a complex, striated and tight wine that needs considerable airing and will certainly cellar well over the next 6–8 years. A blend of 60% Merlot, 21% Cab Franc, 12% Cab Sauvignon, and 7% Petit Verdot.——P.G.(7/1/2004)—— 93