2016 Andrew Will Red Ciel du Cheval Vineyard

Bright red-ruby. A bit darker and less expressive on the nose than the Two Blondes, with aromas of currant, blueberry and dark chocolate lifted by dusty herbs and a soupçon of wild mint. Richer, plusher and deeper in the mouth but also with a youthful medicinal reserve and a light touch to its black fruit, violet and licorice flavors. The broad finish features a firm dusting of well-supported tannins and excellent length. This is still an infant and it has the stuffing and balance for a slow evolution in bottle. Superb. (15% alcohol)

The 2016 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, begins with a red-fruited nose with dusty core of mineral-rich earth and red, floral bouquet wafts. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, the wine expresses flavors of black plum and dusty, dark cherry, showing a clean and spicy wine with a tannic core that is still grippy. The wine will age well or can be enjoyed now with its food-friendly expression at its current stage. Only 504 cases made.

Violet, cassis, blueberry, cedar, and graphite notes all emerge from the 2016 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, which is from a great vineyard on Red Mountain. A blend of 57% Merlot and 43% Cabernet Franc brought up in 25% new oak, it's young and primordial, with loads of fruit balanced by good acidity, but it needs time to come together. Readers looking for classic, age-worthy Bordeaux blends that will stand up with the best out there need to give the wines of Andrew Will a serious look. These are classic, balanced wines that deserve more attention in the market.