Varietal composition: 68% merlot, 15% cabernet franc, 11% cabernet sauvignon and 6% petit verdot.
This Woodward Canyon Estate Red is from the finest Estate Vineyard lots produced in 2005. It is wonderful to once again produce this wine after a one year hiatus due to the freezing weather of 2004. The Estate Vineyard has always been a rather low yielding property and 2005 was no different. Average yield was around two tons or about 125 cases of wine per acre. In 2005 our merlot was truly superb and as a result became a larger portion of the final blend. I am simply delighted with this wine and believe it to be our finest Walla Walla red wine effort to date!
This wine was fermented in small open top tanks with native yeast and was punched down and/or pumped over two to three times per day. After pressing this wine went directly to new French chateau barrels for maturation and development in our cellar. In late May, the wine was racked from barrel, assembled and bottled the middle of June 2007.
The vintage of 2005 gave perfect physiological ripeness. As might be expected with such low yields, the resulting wine is concentrated with generous black fruit and cassis. A breadth of spices and vanilla from new oak integrate beautifully with firm merlot dominated fruit. A nose of roasted game, ripe fruit and shaved chocolate develops in the glass; the color is black purple. The texture, while firm initially, transitions to a complex suppleness; the finish is rich, layered and long. For the first time I am able to taste an expression of Woodward Canyon Vineyard in this wine. With proper cellaring, this wine should age for ten years or more.
Reviewer: 2008 International Green Wine Competition
Reviewer Publication: 2008 International Green Wine Competition
Review: 91+ points
"July, 2008: The 2005 Estate Red Wine is 60% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Petit Verdot. Purple-colored, the nose is slightly brooding while exhibiting notes of cedar, scorched earth, pencil lead, black cherry, and blackberry. Ripe, balanced, and Bordeaux-like, on the palate the wine is firm, structured, and will require patience. Give it 4-6 years and drink it from 2012 to 2025. The winery’s track record for longevity is well established and this effort will go the distance."
Lowden, Washington 99360
