Release Date: October 2008 Bottling Date: June 22, 23 & 24, 2008 Alcohol: 14.1% by volume Production: 5,521 cases Composition: 78% cabernet sauvignon 8% cabernet franc 8% syrah 6% merlot
Description:
This newest bottling of Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the vintage very well. The younger vines continue to produce better grapes allowing us to produce better wine nearly every year now. Add to that some truly phenomenal press wine from some of the oldest and most celebrated vineyards in Washington State such as Woodward Canyon, Champoux and Sagemoor, and we can produce an amazing Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon.
The warm and very even 2007 vintage gave beautifully ripe fruit with flavors of dried black fruits, cassis, and cherry leading to a nice generous finish. Aromas of leather, spice, tobacco and vanilla integrate with the fruit, The wine is dark purple in color. This wine was bottled early to retain fruit and is quite drinkable for a wine so young.
While this wine was produced for early consumption I do believe that it will improve with additional time in bottle. With proper storage this wine should easily age five years. This red wine would be fantastic with wood fired pizza from the Woodward Canyon oven.
"The blend includes presswine from the estate and other top vineyards; and the Cabernet, though dominant, is padded with an interesting mix of grapes, including some Italian varieties. It's deep, plumy, laced with complex flavors that begin with ripe and tangy red berries and black cherries, and lead into accents of coffee, earth and baking chocolate. The tangy natural acids keep this wine sharp and focused, and the Italian varieties seem to bump up the sweetness in the finish."
Reviewer: Paul Gregutt
Reviewer Publication: Wine Enthusiast
Review: Recommended
"Smoky scents of cedar and cherry waft from the glass. Ripe berry flavors suffuse the mouth, while great acidity lends leanness and a sense of jaunty verve. There is an almost playful quality to this wine with black raspberry and dark cherry tastes abounding. Fine tannin structure adds definitions and the finish is lingering and fresh-feeling. Drink with grilled hamburgers."
Reviewer: Northwest Palate
Reviewer Publication: Northwest Palate
Review: Recommended
"Woodward Canyon Winery’s second label has entered its second decade and is as popular as ever. Owner/winemaker Rick Small used it to "declassify" barrels and lots that don't quite fit into his Woodward Canyon program, so the wine ends up here and is a value as well as delicious. This new release shows off aromas and flavors of cherries, cranberries, red and black currents and Baker's chocolate. Fall, 2009."
Reviewer: Wine Press Northwest
Reviewer Publication: Wine Press Northwest
Review: Excellent
"The term "press wine" isn't a flattering one, but Woodward Canyon's press wine is better than the "free run juice" by many. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cocoa powder, cigar leaf and dried herbs arouse the senses. Then comes the delivery of sweet blueberries and blackberries with nice leafiness in the middle and good acidity. There's a rewarding richness in the mouth feel, and the chocolaty tannins - based on the wine's pedigree - should mature with a year or two."
Lowden, Washington 99360
