This 2007 Washington State “Old Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from grapes that were planted in the early 1970’s. In early October cabernet sauvignon grapes were harvested by hand from Champoux Vineyard (74 %) and from Sagemoor Vineyard (26 %) both located on two very distinct benches above the Columbia River in southeastern Washington. The 2007 vintage was perfect for cabernet allowing for more even ripening without the heat spikes seen in some years.
The wine was fermented in 2000 liter stainless steel tanks and was punched down two times per day. Average fermentation was between seven and ten days. After pressing and racking, the various lots were moved to new French chateau barrels for aging and maturation. In late spring of 2009 this wine was racked from barrel, assembled and bottled the end of June. After two very small vintages, 2005 and 2006, I am delighted to have a larger supply of Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon once again.
This “Old Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and complex yet shows elegance, restraint and sophistication. It expresses the purity of fully mature cabernet sauvignon that one only can get from 35 year old vines. The color is dark red to purple and has complex aromas of earth, cherry, leather and smoke. Flavors of ripe black cherries and cassis married with spicy new oak and vanilla coat the mouth. The texture is soft and silky yet there are mature integrated tannins in the rich, long finish. I love the proportion this red wine displays and with proper storage, it should age for ten years easily.
"August, 2010. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vines is 100% varietal with the fruit sourced from the Champoux (74%) and Sagemoor (26%) vineyards. It was aged in 100% new French oak. Deep purple-colored, it gives up a brooding bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, truffle, Asian spices, incense, violets, black currant, and blackberry. On the palate it is full-bodied, incipiently complex, silky textured, and impeccably balanced. Give it an additional 5-7 years of bottle age and drink it from 2016 to 2032."
Reviewer: Dr. Jay Miller
Reviewer Publication: The Wine Advocate
Review: 95 points
"#3 in Top 100. Established in 1981, Woodward Canyon was the second modern-day winery in the Walla Walla Valley. Almost 30 years later, nearly one in every six wineries in the state calls the AVA home. Through the years, Woodward Canyon has consistently produced some of Washington’s finest, most age-worthy wines. Grapes for this 100 percent varietal wine come from 35-year-old vines from two top vineyards, Champoux and Sagemoor.
Abundant toast and spice on a pleasing nose that is initially oak-driven. As the wine opens up, rich black fruit aromas come to the foreground. On the palate, a rich, intense wine with waves of fruit and an impeccable balance. The finish hangs on forever. 100 percent cabernet sauvignon. Champoux and Sagemoor vineyards. 14.8 percent alcohol. 651 cases produced."
Lowden, Washington 99360
