One of the great historic Washington houses, Andrew Will was founded by Chris Carmada back in 1989. Back then their first ‘winery’ was essentially a walkway between two adjoining roofed structures as they made wine there for the first five vintages. Chris named his winery for nephew Andrew and son Will, and the family and winery subsequently moved to Vashon Island in 1994 and has been there since. Chris started his winery by sourcing from two of the most famed vineyards in Washington, the Champoux and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards. Today they source all of their grapes from their Two Blondes Vineyard as well as those two historic vineyards.
Beautiful views from their Two Blondes Vineyard.
Winemaker Will Carmada was not originally interested in wine or winemaking. While he mentioned to me that he always was around wine, he did not develop an affinity for wines until he had completed his studies at the University of Washington. Will was only two years old when Andrew Will was started and he began working full time at Andrew Will in 2013. His progression into learning winemaking from his father and being involved in wine full-time was quite gradual but I am very glad that he has chosen this career path. Simply put, his wines are outstanding and it is clear that Will has an exceedingly bright future as Andrew Will winemaker.
The wines were seriously good across the board. Look to the great value 2017 Andrew Will ‘Cuvee Lucia’ Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 92) which has marvelous weight and texture, with a good sense of minerality from this good vintage for Washington white wines. I was blown away with the new 2014 Andrew Will ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Red Wine (WWB, 94) with its beautiful texture and wonderful Right Bank feel. This is one for the cellar. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.andrewwill.com Here are the brilliant new releases by Andrew Will
2017 Andrew Will ‘Cuvee Lucia’ Sauvignon Blanc- The ‘Cuvee Lucia’ has 25% Semillon blended in. This takes on a beautiful mouthfeel with bright kiwi, cantaloupe and bright pear flavors. This seriously good Sauvignon Blanc best served slightly warmer. Drink 2019-2025- 92
2017 Involuntary Commitment ‘Columbia Valley’ Red Wine- This great wine is sourced from declassified Andrew Will sourced fruit. The wine is a Cabnernet dominant blend with Cabernet Franc and Merlot blended in. The wine starts off with aromas of black tea, dried herbs, blackberry cobbler and mocha. The wine shows dark fruit flavors with lighter coffee ground and sage flavors. Drink 2019-2025- 90
2016 Andrew Will ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from Two Blondes Vineyard and Champoux Vineyard, this great wine shows good range on the nose from black tea to milk chocolate to creme de cassis. The wine has a silky mouthfeel with mocha, anise, creme de cassis and black olive tapenade flavors. Decadent and elegant, this is a beautiful wine made by Will Carmada. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2013 Andrew Will ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Red Wine- This outstanding wine is a blend of 56% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Franc. The nose is highly seductive with blackberry cobbler, blueberry compote, lavender and violets. The palate is elegant and rich, showing a gorgeous mouthfeel. Blackberry cobbler, creme de cassis, raspberry cordial and rose water with coffee ground flavors all marvelously combine on the palate. A long-ager, this brilliant wine will cellar well for the next two decades. Drink 2019-2039- 94
2013 Andrew Will ‘Sorella’ Red Wine- The ‘Sorella’ is a compelling blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabenet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. The nose is seriously good with mocha, creme de cassis, blueberry and black tea that all impress and build in the glass. The palate is seductive and ripe, unveiling a wonderfully rich mouthfeel. There is a seamless quality to this wine that really shines through. This gorgeous wine will continue to develop over the next two plus decades. Drink 2020-2040- 94