Inspired by the Grand Crus of Burgundy, this Chardonnay was the first wine created by founder Rick Small as winemaker.
Chardonnay was also the first variety planted at Woodward Canyon's estate vineyards in 1977.
This wine is made from 100% grapes from two blocks of our own vineyards: the southeast-facing “old vine block” planted in 1978, and the north-facing block planted in 2011.
Barrel fermentation in 100% French Siluge oak (20% new barrels).
No malolactic fermentation is carried out.
Aged 5.5 months. This wine has a medium lemon color and bright clarity.
Lively aromas of crushed apple, stone, beeswax and pear blend perfectly with subtle oak to produce subtle hints of spice and vanilla.
Whole-cluster pressing produces delicate fruit flavors.
The texture and weight create a pleasant mouthfeel, with ripe fruit flavors of lemon, peach and pome fruit lingering.
The acidity and fruitiness are well balanced.
This carefully crafted wine is best served chilled.
The proper way to store fine white wines is to cellar them on their side at a temperature of 13-16°C and chill them to 7-9°C (depending on the variety) just before serving to prevent the formation of tartrate crystals.
It pairs well with roasted chicken or creamy pasta dishes.
Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard (100%) Established in 1977, Woodward Canyon's own vineyard is currently located at the westernmost part of the Walla Walla Valley AVA, approximately 24 km 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 overlying fractured basalt with slopes of 15-18%.
Altitude 229-260m.
All grapes, like the wine, are certified Salmon Safe (organic).
Aged 5 and a half months in barrels.
100% barrel fermented, 20% new oak barrels from Silvregues, France, malolactic fermentation is done by owner and winemaker Rick Small's family has been farming in 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.