Today we share one of Washington’s historic wineries that continues to fire on all cylinders. It is hard to imagine how different Walla Walla was back in 1981 when Rick and Darcey Small decided to found Woodward Canyon. I have fond memories back as a Whitman College senior tasting at Woodward Canyon in 2002. The quality of these wines have been electric and a pillar of consistency. I’ve had the great opportunity to try every edition of their ‘Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon and have been so impressed with how that wine ages. It is hard to believe that they are now on their 27th edition of this wine. The 2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 93) is delicious and shows a generous mouthfeel and bright acidity. Woodward Canyon have developed a nationwide reputation for great Chardonnay. I loved both new releases but the 2019 Woodward Canyon ‘Washington’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) is particularly a great value with its bright acidity and great weight. I was absolutely enamored by the 2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Old Vines Washington’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) which is hedonistic and gratifying but has a great core of acidity and freshness. This beautiful wine has decades of life ahead of it. Learn more about this historic Washington winery at https://www.woodwardcanyon.com/ Here are the gorgeous new release wines by Woodward Canyon.
2019 Woodward Canyon ‘Washington’ Chardonnay- Sourced from a host of great sites spanning the state, the 2019 ‘Washington’ Chardonnay shows ripe pear and vanilla cream tones with shades of orange blossom on this beautiful bouquet. The palate is plush and filled with bright, mouth-watering acidity. Layers of buttercream and Meyer lemon zest collide with minerals and hints of baking spice infused sourdough bread. Gorgeous in its youth, the weight and acidity suggests some nice cellaring potential. Drink 2020-2028- 93
2019 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- Sourced from north-facing vines planted in the North Block at the Estate Vineyard, this 100% Wente clone is a stunning new Walla Walla Valley Chardonnay. Suggestions of macadamia nut and vanilla cream combine with rich Challah bread on this beautiful nose. The palate shows a great combination of weight and verve, as lemon zest and shades of Gravenstein apple connect with minerals and damp earth undertones of the wine. Like the 2019 ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay, this has some great aging potential but is irresistible in its bright youth. Drink 2020-2028- 93
2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Merlot- Sourced from both an older (23 year old) and newer block, the Merlot shows black cherry and black currants that mingle with Asian spices and pipe tobacco on the nose. The palate is soft, round and generous with a silky mouthfeel. Layers of kirsch cordial and allspice connect with chocolate and black plum on the palate. Downright delicious even at this juncture, this beautiful wine has at least another decade of aging to go. Drink 2020-2032- 92
2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Rich, lithe and polished, the 2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a downright awesome bottling by this famed Walla Walla Valley producer. Once on the nose this takes on wonderful garrigue tones, woven together with exotic spices, loamy terroir and rich dark currants that all sing in unison. The palate is soft and seamless, showing great depth, concentration and poise. Rich creme de cassis and anise tones combine with shades of sandalwood and Turkish coffee, giving this an exotic appeal. Absolutely gorgeous to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 94
2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 2018 marks the 27th edition of this famed Washington wine and the new edition really impresses. Right away the rich creme de cassis aromatics entice, with layers of dark chocolate shavings, espresso bean and shades of dried sage all take shape in the glass. Generous dark fruits connect well with menthol, anise, cassis and shades of red bell pepper and tar on this complex palate. The balance here is really good, as they 2018 ‘Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy another fifteen years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 93
2018 Woodward Canyon ‘Old Vines Washington State’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Old Vines’ by Woodward Canyon is a simply stunning bottling by famed winemaker Kevin Mott. Sourced from their estate vineyard as well as Sagemoor and Champoux Vineyards, this opens with a beautiful bouquet of violets and mocha tones that combine with shades of creme de cassis, creosote, and cigar ash with lighter graphite and red bell pepper undertones that all march in unison. The palate is deep and concentrated, yet elegant and light on its feet. A light dusting of salinity adds to the drinking enjoyment as shades of chocolate covered espresso bean and Black Forest Cake collide with minerals, sagebrush and scorched undertones. Full-bodied with fine grained tannins that line this outstanding production, the 2018 ‘Old Vines’ will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2040- 95