The
wines of Woodward Canyon
From Walla Walla, Washington State, USA
Website: www.woodwardcanyon.com
I tasted through this range of wines with
owner Rick Small. Woodward Canyon was the second winery in the
region after Leonetti. Their focus is on Bordeaux varieties, but
they also make Chardonnay and Syrah.
Rick started making wine back in 1976 as
a home winemaker, and then started the winery in 1981 with his first
commercial release. His background is agricultural: his mother's
side are fifth generation and his father's side are third generation
cattle and wheat farmers.
Two lines of wines are made: Woodward
Canyon and second-label Nelms Road. Total production is around 17
000 cases annually.
Woodward Canyon Chardonnay 2007
Washington State
One-third estate vineyards, two-thirds from vineyards with a
long-term relationship with the grower. Fermented in barrels, 20% of
which are new. Lovely ripe, balanced nutty Chardonnay with really
fresh, expressive fruit. Very stylish with sophisticated oak.
Harmonious. 92/100 ($39 US retail)
Nelms Road Merlot 2008
14.1% alcohol. Mellow, soft and expressive with berryish fruit
and lovely ripeness. Smooth tannins and a hint of chalkiness, as
well as a bit of leafiness. Rich but well balanced. A sophisticated
Merlot. 90/100
Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
14.1% alcohol. Lovely fresh blackcurrant nose with nice
sweetness and a chalky edge. The palate is smooth and concentrated
with lovely tannin management. Soft, silky and structured at the
same time. A seductive style, but showing balance. 90/100
Woodward Canyon Merlot 2007 Columbia
Valley
Warm, intense, spicy nose with nice sweet berry fruits. The
palate is concentrated with lovely structure, showing sophisticated
spicy oak and some minerality. Rich but balanced. 92/100
Woodward Canyon Artist Series #16
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Very refined minerally, spicy nose showing lovely dark fruits.
The palate is lush and seamless with intense berry fruit, some
spiciness and lovely savoury intensity on the finish. Ripe and full,
but expressive. 93/100
Woodward Canyon Old Vines Cabernet
Sauvignon 2007
Not made every year, this comes from the oldest vineyards
(around 40 years old). Savoury, intense, minerally spicy nose. The
palate is broad and lush, spicy and complex, with a mineral core top
the structure. The sweet berry fruit is mellow and appealing. It's
quite warm but has engaging complexity and personality. 94/100
wines tasted 05/10
Find these wines with wine-searcher.com
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