2011 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

So here I am at PDX, waiting to fly back to Chicago and of course seeing the "Shop/Dine/Fly" banner I decided to do them in that order! First stop the Made in Oregon wine shop and they were doing a tasting of some southern Oregon red wines, so I bought three bottles of Merlot and a bottle of Syrah!  Shopping done!  Now to dine...of course with a half bottle of 2011 Woodward Canyon Artist series Cabernet Sauvignon, I chose a nice mixed green salad with grilled chicken. 

Oh yes, the wine!  One of my faves (didn't I just review the '10?). It's a deep purple in the glass, this 20th annual edition of the wine had great aromas of blackberries, cassis and leather giving it a rich profile before you even begin!  The taste is wonderful, with a rich, velvety mouthfeel and great fruit up front that transitions to some great spice and minerality mid palate. The nicely structured and fully integrated tannins provide for a long, lush finish that had me wanting more!

Overall I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, a classic of the best of what a Cabernet can be from the Walla Walla valley. And it was the perfect accompaniment to the lovely Italian dressing and fresh greens of my salad!  Here's to flight delays!