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 fruit for the ’97 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from Champoux and Sagemoor Vineyards. Crimson in color with some bricking on the edge of the glass. 13.9% ABV. Intense aromas of cherry, leather, pencil and menthol. Currants, iron, vanilla, cassis, cherries, tobacco and chocolate on the palate. Full bodied and rich. The finish is long and still somewhat tannic. Drink over the next 3-5 years.
The reds from Woodward Canyon age as gracefully as anything produced in Washington.
My rating: 94 points.
The current vintage is widely available at retail, at the winery and via the mailing list for right around $80. The Artists Series Cabernet is a more affordable but delicious alternative for about $45.
The winery is also a great first stop as you head into the Walla Walla wine country!
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We opened a bottle of this wine 2 weeks ago and unfortunately it was corked beyond drinking it, we dumped it. Opened another bottle 1 week ago and it was just singing. The Wine is near its top and opulent full of fruit. We still have several bottles and will visit with it again in another year. A rating of 94 is appropriate
Thanks Hal. These wine age so gracefully.