Located in the Walla Walla Valley appellation of Washington State, Woodward Canyon Winery was started in 1981 by Rick Small and his wife, Darcey Fugman-Small. Woodward Canyon produces almost a dozen different wines, and their Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Chardonnay are some of the very best examples of those varietals produced in Washington State.
The Estate Red Wine is a blend of 43% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is magenta in color. Graphite and leather on the nose. Spice, cassis, dark fruits, white pepper and vanilla grace the palate. Super silky fine grained tannins and a long generous finish.
The reds from Woodward Canyon age as gracefully as anything produced in Washington. This wine should continue to develop for another 5-7 years.
My rating: 92 points
The wines are widely available at retail, at the winery and via the mailing list. The winery is also a great first stop as you head into Walla Walla Valley.
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Nice write up, Tom. The lone Woodward Canyon Cab that I’ve had is the ’09 Artist Series–it was one of my favorites this year.
Thanks Nick! If you get a chance to cellar a few bottles you are in for a treat.