Rich and loaded with exceptional fruit power, this is dominated by the Champoux Vineyard’s classic black-cherry character. Accents of clean earth, violet, tar and caramel show extraordinary depth, framed by firm and muscular tannins. — (3/1/2013) —93

The Block One Cab from the Champoux vineyard (in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA) is one of Washington’s gold-plated, old vine sites, and the wineries who get that fruit are equally special. Power, texture and pure pleasure combine here, a seductive melange of black cherry, cassis, plum, coffee, chocolate and spice. Tannins are ripe, fine-grained, and have the weight to balance the fruit and oak. A triumph of vineyard and winemaker.——P.G.(9/1/2009)—— 95

The depth of flavor is consistently here, offering layers of earth, smoke, spice and sweet herb alongside the brilliant black fruits. Tannins are substantial, earthy and fine-grained, and the young wine already hints at the length and development to come. This should not be consumed for several years.——P.G.(10/1/2008)—— 92