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. I wrote about Rick Small previously in The Washington Wine Hall of Fame.
The fruit for 1999 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Sagemoor and Champoux Vineyards. Crimson in color. 13.9% ABV. Heady aromas of red fruits, tobacco and chocolate. Rich and plush with fine grained tannins. Blackberries, black cherry liqueur, graphite, espresso and licorice on the palate. A touch of heat on the long finish. Drink over the next 1-3 years.
My rating: 91 points.
The reds from Woodward Canyon age as gracefully as anything produced in Washington.
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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