2019 was a warm and dry vintage, resulting in higher yields than the previous vintage.
Even ripening was achieved by thinning out Cabernet Sauvignon clones 4, 6, and 8, and Petit Verdot clone 2.
Yields range from 2.1 to 2.6 tons per acre.
All grapes are hand harvested and sorted before crushing.
The wine was fermented in 2000 litre stainless steel tanks, gently punched down twice a day, pressed and settled before being transferred directly to chateau barrels in France for further aging.
It has a deep, intense red colour and an irresistible aroma of Christmas fruitcake and graham biscuits.
The elegant yet firm palate opens with flavors of plum, herbs and a hint of olive, finishing with baking spices and graphite/pencil, while forward tannins and oak blend beautifully with the rich fruit.
The wine shows excellent balance and great refinement.
It would go well with braised oxtail or beef cheeks.
Established in 1976, Woodward Canyon is currently the westernmost vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley AVA, located approximately 15 miles west of Walla Walla, Washington.
The 17 hectares of vineyards and several hectares of parkland are planted with native species such as western juniper, ponderosa pine, western sage brush, arrowleaf balsam root and perennial wildflowers.
Ritzville silt loam over fractured basalt, slopes 15-18%.
Altitude 229-260m.
Managed by Woodward Canyon Winery.
Salmon-safe certified organic grapes.
Owner and winemaker Rick Small's family has been farming the area where Woodward Canyon vineyards are now located for three generations.
He planted vines there in the late 1970s and founded Woodward Canyon in 1981, the second winery in Walla Walla after Leonetti.
Rick Small has deep roots in the region and is one of a handful of Washington State veterans who has dedicated his life to producing world-class fine wines.
Woodward Canyon wines are imbued with his uncompromising rigor and passion for winemaking, which includes personally witnessing every stage from the vine to the bottle.
From canopy and irrigation management in the vineyards to the natural drying of oak barrels in the winery, great care is taken at every stage of the winemaking process.
His vision for wine has always been quality over quantity, and his long-standing reputation as one of Washington State's best winemakers is testament to that.
Woodward Canyon wines are lovingly crafted and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Rick Small's deep knowledge of the land and passion for quality are expressed in his wines.