Woodward Canyon's "Artist Series" has been their flagship wine since 1992, showcasing the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in Washington State.
The vineyards used for the Artist Series are among the oldest and most highly regarded in Washington State, with vines typically around 25 years old.
Each year, the label features the work of a different Pacific Northwest artist.
A deep ruby colour, it opens with enticing aromas of black plum, slate and red cherry which seamlessly blend with subtle and attractive oak.
On the palate it is rich, expressing a wonderful balance of ripe dark fruit, cassis and olive, with well-integrated tannins for added texture and a complex, generous and long finish.
This wine can be enjoyed now but will greatly benefit from further aging and, if properly stored, will last for 10 years or more.
It pairs well with ribeye steak, lamb hamburger, portobello mushrooms, and cheesy polenta.
Store and serve at cellar temperature.
It is situated overlooking the Rattlesnake Mountains to the south and the Saddle Mountains to the north.
The land slopes gently southwards and ranges from 216 to 290 metres above sea level.
Weinbau is a warm, well-drained region with soils consisting mainly of Kennewick silt loam and a slope of 2-5%.
The consistency of soil type is reflected in the growth of the vines and subsequently in the wines.
Established in 1968, Sagemoor is a pioneering vineyard that helped establish Washington's wine industry and is one of the oldest Vitis vinifera vineyards in Washington state.
Rick has been using Sagemore fruit since he was making wine at home and still does today.
Planted in 1972, grapes from specific rows in blocks 3 and 9 are still made into "Old Vines" Cabernet Sauvignon wine today.
Quincy loamy fine sand, Sage Hill very fine sandy loam, 2-10% slope.
Altitude 174m.
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.