AW_2018_Champoux_HorseHeaven.png 200
95
Points
- Jebdunnuck.com
95
Points
- Wine Advocate

2018 Champoux

This wine is crafted to highlight the Merlot and Cab Franc from Champoux Vineyard that tend to get overlooked in comparison to the Cabernet Sauvignons. This wine has the same quality and complexity as Sorella in a package that showcases that great wines in WA can be Merlot dominant. Andrew Will is a co-owner of the vineyard with Quilceda Creek, Powers, and Woodward Canyon.

2018 was another warm vintage that cycled through cool and warm months at the start of the growing season. April was cool, delaying bud break slightly. Then May was one of the warmest on record, advancing bloom. This was followed by a cooler-than-average June. Bloom was notably fast and even, contributing to a larger crop size that required extensive thinning. July and August temperatures were quite warm, so much so that heading into veraison, 2018 was shaping up to be among the warmest vintages on record – and it still was based on Growing Degree Days. However, temperatures cooled considerably in September, creating ideal conditions for ripening.

The 2018 Champoux Vineyard has already captured my heart with its delightful and lovely aromatics. It offers dusty plum, black cherry skin, blackberry essence and elements of dusty red and purple flowers along with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and the floral element of potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with fruit, earth and subtle oak spice before displaying an impeccably balanced structure with buttressing tannins and juicy acidity. The red blend continues to evolve and unwind on the palate with a thoughtful and complex finish. – Wine Advocate

A beautiful bouquet of red and black currants, chocolate, cedary spice, and dried herbs gives way to a medium to full-bodied, rich, concentrated yet flawlessly balanced 2018. With ripe, velvety tannins, a round, layered texture, and a great finish, it can be enjoyed any time over the coming 15 years. – Jebdunnuck.com

 

Composition:
58% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc

Vineyard:
Champoux

Appellation:
Horse Heaven Hills

Average Age of Vines:
41 Years

Time in Barrels:
23 months (25% New French Oak, 75% Neutral French Oak)

Bottling Date:
August 5, 2020

Bottling Date:
August 5, 2020

Release Date:
February 2023

Total Production:
577 Cases

Price:
81

The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.
Scroll to Top