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.
Purple in color. 14.2% ABV. Exceptional nose of red fruits, leather, anise and loads of graphite. Medium body with light acidity. Warm and caressing on the palate. Flavors of black licorice, currants, cassis and tobacco. Delicious wine but I think the tannins are going to outlive the fruit on this wine. Drink over the next 1-2 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 still delicious alternative for about $45.
The winery is also a great first stop as you head into the Walla Walla wine country!
I wrote about Rick Small previously in The Washington Wine Hall of Fame.
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