It is always a pleasure visiting the wines of Woodward Canyon. These are wines that are complete, with a beginning, middle and an end. I’ve enjoyed these for decades and I had a chance to sit down with second generation vintner, Sager Small and talk about his new wines. Tasting with Sager Small he shared his thoughts about the 2021 and 2022 vintages. “2021 was really warm and it was that heat dome year. You turn the heat up that year but 2022 was more in line with historical temperatures. Like this year, 2023, it steadily goes up and then it peaks and then comes down. I prefer this year and 2022 because you hit the high point and then it is even. A bit early to call this vintage but you have ripening that is even.” He admitted that he is very bullish on the new vintage, stating that what has been harvested looks fantastic so far.
He stated “The heat can do strange things to vines and makes it difficult in years like 2021. High heat events just keep the vines at stasis and try to keep the vines alive. I think that those things can make less than ideal wines. But we are in a windier site which contributes to smaller berry size and that shifts the ratio from skin to fruit and concentration wise you get a bit more Merlot from our Merlots because of our site.”
We tasted through his 2022 white wines, which he was really proud of. “These are balanced wines which I really enjoy” he stated. “We are obviously not doing Loire, which I love” he said “but this Sauvignon Blanc has that feel” he explained. As I tasted the 2022 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) I loved the grassy notes in the wine that showed also a smooth mouthfeel. This is one of the great Sauvignon Blanc wines made in Washington. Even better was his fantastic 2022 Woodward Canyon ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is one of the finest wines of its kind in the state. This beauty is sure to satisfy any lover of Pacific Northwest Chardonnay. Learn more about these fantastic new wines at woodwardcanyon.com and here are my reviews of the beautiful new wines by Woodward Canyon.
2022 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2022 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc is a gorgeous effort that shows plenty of intensity and bright underlying acidity. This was native-fermented in stainless steel and then aged in neutral oak before bottling. At this site they have both Loire and Bordeaux clonal selection Sauvignon Blanc vines. Gooseberry, lime zest, damp freshly cut grass and green papaya flavors combine with wet stone and serious texture on the palate. Drink 2023-2029- 92
2022 Woodward Canyon ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay comes from Wente clone estate plantings that date back to 1977. Stored in 20% new French oak, this is another seriously good Woodward Chardonnay bottling from this slightly cooler vintage. Juicy nectarine, vanilla cream, roasted pineapple and shades of Macadamia nut all emerge on the palate, with great underlying finesse. Extremely well-balanced, this is a joy to consume right now. Drink 2023-2033- 94
2021 Woodward Canyon ‘Mourvedre-Grenache-Syrah’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Mourvedre-Grenache-Syrah’ combines 50% Syrah with equal parts Mourvèdre and Grenache that was sourced from their estate vineyard. Stored in a small portion of new oak barrels, this offers white pepper dusted bacon, black olives, blackberry and shades of creosote on the nose. This is wonderfully balanced with good poise. Every working part here is moving in unison. Only 201 cases made. Drink 2023-2033- 94
2021 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Merlot- The 2021 ‘Merlot’ was stored in 40% new French oak befrore bottling. 100% varietal, this offers a smooth texture with red bell pepper, milk chocolate, anise and shades of black licorice on the palate. Salty and savory, with a soft mouthfeel, this is absolutely delicious right now. Drink 2023-2036- 94
2021 Woodward Canyon ‘Artist Series #30’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A pleasure to drink right now, the 2021 Woodward Canyon ‘Artist Series #30’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in 60% new French oak before bottling. Nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (87%) this was mostly sourced from the Weinbau Vineyard. A plush layer of toasty oak greets you on the mid-palate, with good underlying verve. Rich mocha and creme de cassis flavors mingle well with Turkish coffee accents and dusty tannins on the palate. Drink 2023-2037- 93
2021 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc- Stored in 30% new French oak, this was native-fermented as this comes from a range of estate blocks. Gorgeous red bell pepper, green peppercorns, anise and violets come into play on the nose. Seamless and soft with great richness and a fantastic core of black fruit flavors, this is elegant, well-balanced Cabernet Franc that will surely live on for another fifteen plus years to come. This might be the finest edition of this wine that I have tasted. Drink 2023-2038- 95
2021 Woodward Canyon ‘Estate Reserve’ Red WIne- The ‘Estate Reserve’ is sourced from what the winemaking team feels is the best lots from the year. The blend is 38% Cabernet Sauvignon with 27% Cabernet Franc and the remainder Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Highly perfumed with beautiful red florals, this leads with serious tension and a smooth mouthfeel. Layers of espresso grinds and dark currants combine with tar and anise notes. Simply gorgeous, this has both the finesse and weight to cellar well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 95
2021 Woodward Canyon ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Old Vines’ is a stunning new wine by winemaker Kevin Mott. Refined tannins frame a gorgeous wall of black and blue fruit flavors with Arabica bean, sandalwood and notes of scorched earth. Showing serious length, weight and verve, enjoy this beauty now and over the next twenty years. Drink 2023-2040- 96