2022 Andrew Will "Two Blondes Vineyard" Merlot, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

The “Two Blondes Vineyard” Merlot comes from a celebrated site in the Yakima Valley, where warm, dry growing conditions and cool nights provide an ideal environment for achieving ripe fruit while preserving acidity. The vineyard's well-drained soils encourage deep rooting and naturally moderate vine vigor, contributing to concentration and structure.

Andrew Will focuses on allowing the vineyard and variety to speak clearly, harvesting the fruit at balanced ripeness rather than pursuing excessive concentration. The grapes are fermented with careful extraction to build structure while preserving aromatic freshness, then aged in French oak to develop texture and complexity. Oak is used as a complement rather than a dominant flavor, allowing the character of the Merlot and vineyard to remain central.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Andrew Will Cellars was founded in 1994 by winemaker Chris Camarda, with a focus on producing Bordeaux-variety wines from exceptional sites in Washington State. The winery takes its name from Camarda's nephew and son, Andrew and Will, reflecting the project's family-oriented origins.

Camarda's philosophy centers on site selection, restrained intervention, and allowing Washington's distinctive climate to shape the wines. Rather than relying on excessive extraction or heavy oak, Andrew Will emphasizes balance, freshness, and structural precision. The winery works with some of Washington's most respected vineyards, including Two Blondes Vineyard, to produce wines that combine Bordeaux-inspired elegance with the distinctive fruit and mineral character of the Columbia Valley.