Woodward Canyon is a pioneer in the Walla Walla wine valley. Established by the Small family in 1981, they were the second winery in the valley. The Smalls were instrumental in the designation of the Walla Walla Valley as an AVA. Their wines are sourced from their estate, but they also partner with a variety of growers, including Champoux Vineyard (Horse Heaven Hills AVA). Their focus is "premium, age-worthy cabernet sauvignons, Bordeaux-style blends and merlots as well as chardonnays".
*tasting notes are from the winemaker
2021 Washington State Chardonnay
100% Chardonnay
"This wine is medium lemon in color and brilliantly clear. Vibrant aromas of crushed apple, beeswax and pear marry perfectly with understated oak creating subtle spice and vanilla tones. The texture and weight create a pleasant mouthfeel and leave ripe fruit flavors of lemon, peach and pomme fruits. Acidity and fruit are balanced and in proportion."
Price $44
Rating 4.5
Non-Vintage Red, "Pizza Wine!"
43% Cabernet Franc, 15% Barbera, 12% Dolcetto, 8% Syrah, 6% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Mourvèdre, 2% Chardonnay, 2% Sauvignon Blanc
"Blend of grapes from 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020-an everyday drinking red wine, perfect for BBQ's, pasta and pizza and more!"
*Winery only $25
Rating 3.9
2020 Estate Merlot
100% Merlot
"This wine shows beautifully, with rich high toned fruit, balanced acidity and great proportion. Enticing notes of black berry, spiced oak and leather on the nose. The full-bodied mouthfeel leads to complex flavors of black fruit, mocha and earth. This wine is generous enough to enjoy now, yet has the complexity and structure to and balanced age well for six or more years."
*Winery only $52
Rating 4.5
2019 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon
93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot
"This beautiful and dark garnet wine shows a complex nose of black fruits, chili powder and lead pencil that integrate with the subtle, attractive oak. In the mouth, the wine is rich and elegant, showing ripe fruit, nice balance and proportion. Integrated tannins enhance the texture; the finish is complex, generous and long. Will age for 10 years or more!"
Price $59
Rating 4.6
2019 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec
"This release of the Old Vines is dark purple and dense in the glass. Intermingling aromas of fig jam, olive, butterscotch and coffee develop with a rich concentration of ripe black fruits and pipe tobacco. The new French oak beautifully integrates the fruit, acid and alcohol creating a nice weight, texture and overall mouthfeel. It expresses the purity of fully mature cabernet sauvignon fruit that can only be achieved from old vine fruit."
Price $99
Rating 4.4
Their 2021 Estate Sauvignon Blanc and 2021 Washington State Chardonnay were refreshing starters, and as a non-white wine drinker, surprisingly great. Their 2019 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon & 2019 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon were incredible; interestingly, we enjoyed the artist series better, but only because we favored the tannins (if you prefer a smoother mellowed cab, the old vines had it). The Red Blend scored the lowest, but at the price point, it's a great every day drink, and I would never complain.
We had a great tasting experience at Woodward Canyon. I had high expectations coming in, and they exceeded it. As a plus, we were fortunate to visit their impressive cellar, a time capsule of their wine making history. Their commitment to quality, classic wines shines through. We joined that day, and cannot wait for our first shipment.
