Vintage: 2005

NOTE: We did not produce this wine in a 1.5L format for 2005. We only have the standard 750ml bottles available for sale.

Please note, there is no case discount for "Special Selection".

Time in New Oak
29 months

Production
98 cases 750ml

This 2005 Special Selection red wine was produced from old vine Columbia Valley cabernet sauvignon grown at Champoux Vineyard above the Columbia River at Alderdale, Washington, and petit verdot and merlot from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. In over nearly 25 years of winemaking, this is only the fourth Special Selection Woodward Canyon has produced. 2005 was an exceptional vintage and this red wine is truly what “special” means. This wine is why we do this!

These grapes were harvested by hand in mid-October and were additionally hand sorted prior to crushing. Average brix at harvest was well over 26 degrees. The various lots making up this red wine were fermented in small 2,000 liter open top tanks and punch down was done by hand two times per day. After pressing and settling, the various lots went to new French chateau barrels for aging and development. The final wine was assembled and a portion was transferred once again into new chateau barrels for additional barrel age. On April 22, 2008, this wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered and laid down in our cellars for additional bottle aging.

Following the development of a red wine such as this through the cellar for nearly five years is amazing. This beautifully structured wine is dark purple garnet in color. Aromas of ripe forest ridge black berry marry with notes of earth, leather, vanilla, and spice. The finish is long and remarkable showing incredible texture with beautifully integrated tannins. Nearly two years of bottle aging has allowed all the extraordinary elements in this wine to integrate, becoming more complex and generous. This is a ten to twelve year wine if cellared properly although it may certainly be consumed sooner. Enjoy with Greek food that includes oven roasted lamb.

Collection

Special Selection The Special Selection is produced only in years of superb vintages and is typically comprised of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. In over 25 years of winemaking, Woodward Canyon has produced only four Special Selection wines. The fruit comes primarily from Champoux Vineyard, one of the oldest vineyards in the state. Woodward Canyon is also a member-partner in the Champoux Vineyard. The wine experiences extended barrel and bottle aging before release, and, if cellared properly, will continue to develop for 12+ years from vintage. Production on the Special Selection is usually under 100 cases. This wine was produced in 1988, 1993, 1999 and 2005.

Varietal

Blends Blends

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Review: 95 points

"The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection (a cuvee made only in the finest years) is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Champoux Vineyard and 13% Petit Verdot and 12% Merlot from the Estate vineyard. Opaque purple/black in color, it delivers a brooding bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, crushed stone, incense, black currant, and blackberry, Layered and thick on the palate, it has tons of fruit and structure but remains tightly wound. Stylistically, it is reminiscent of a high level Pauillac from a top vintage. Give it 10-12 years of cellaring and drink it from 2020 to 2040. Woodward Canyon remains under the leadership of pioneering vigneron Rick Smalls. He has relinquished some of the winemaking duties but remains deeply involved in the estate’s viticulture. The top cuvees are built to last (a 1984 Cabernet from a challenging vintage tasted on the day of my visit was in fine form) and reward extended cellaring."

Reviewer: Dr. Jay Miller

Reviewer Publication: Robert Parker's Wine Advocate