Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series 2017 – 375 ml

Introduction

Woodward Canyon Winery, named for the canyon Ricks family farmed and where the Estate Vineyard is now located, was established in 1981 by Rick Small and his wife, Darcey Fugman-Small. Woodward Canyon was the second winery in the Walla Walla Valley and the Smalls were instrumental in the process of obtaining federal approval of the Walla Walla Valley appellation.

The winery has consistently produced premium, age-worthy, award-winning Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots as well as Chardonnays. From the outset, Rick determined that quality would take precedence over quantity.

This enticing and deeply colored red wine shows a complex nose of baking spice, black olive and graham integrated beautifully with aromas of ripe black fruits. In the mouth the wine is rich and elegant, showing subtle notes of herb and black berry. Integrated tannins enhance the texture and give proportion; the finish is complex, generous, and long.

Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

Rock star notes of pure cassis and spiced red plums are intermixed with lots of cedar pencil, leafy herbs, chocolate, and spring flower aromas on the nose. These all carry over to the palate, where the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and structured, with ripe, polished yet building tannins that emerge on the finish.

92 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The wine has a generous nose of dark red and black fruit, with dusty cherry, black raspberry, blackberry compote, currant and cassis with aromas of generous oak tones that are not overdone, lifting the dusty floral aromas out of the glass. Full-bodied, the wine opens to a soft chocolaty expression with components of wilted flowers, black tea and dried savory herbs before showing a robust frame held together by buttressing tannins. The wine ends with a long, complex finish that continues to evolve in the mouth.

91 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of green herb, vanilla, dried cherry, chocolate, cocoa and flower lead to rich, layered dark fruit flavors with plentiful barrel accents. Its made in a rich, hedonistic style, drinking like a candy bar. It has enough stuffing to lay down for a decade or two in the cellar. Fruit and barrel play equal parts.

91 Points – James Suckling

A soft, fruity red with currant, chocolate and coffee character. Full bodied, creamy and velvety. Flavorful finish.

91 Points – Decanter

Deep, full and resonant, with blackcurrants and blackberries, oak and sweet spices. Purity and freshness on the palate.