TN: 2006 Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval Vineyard (USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain)

WINE TALK
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  • 2006 Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain (2/7/2010)
    Decanted 1 ½ hrs. For reasons that escape me this was my first AW. The first sniffs from the decanter definitely indicated a very well crafted wine, as smoky black cherries, veering on an almost plumy edge, were framed by a youthful, but beautifully proportionate new oak. Still very primary on the palate, and not yet really showing overt complexity, BUT the definition and precision of the cherry fruit was sublime, just crystal clear. Added were subtle shades of mint, and then the Red Mountain tannins come in full force, exerting both structure and power with very fine buffering acidity that adds freshness and lift. Lots to think about on the long finish. To me, this is a Bordeaux blend that really screams Washington State, that is the combination of forward, new world fruit but with a iron strong spine that I rarely experience outside of Bordeaux proper. Should be terrific in 6 to 8 years and should hold a good while longer. (93 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

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The good Andrew Will’s seem to really walk the line between hedonism and nuanced sophistication well. The only 06 I have now is the Sorella, which i plan to lay down for a while.

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I’ve haven’t touched my 02s and 03s yet.