2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It's been a good weekend, but now it's winding down, so let's enjoy a nice bottle of wine before the work week begins.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that's been in the cellar for a couple years now.  The 2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot is a 100% Merlot from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting a few years in!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of  leather, blackberry and cassis that let your palate know it's in for a treat.  The first sip is a flavor party with dancing plums, mocha and dark chocolate that dive into notes of baking spice and vanilla bean midpalate.  The tannins are supple and balanced, prividing a nice foundation for the velvety smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a high quality Merlot, but still a bit young.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from barbecue to braised pork, hearty pasta to grilled steaks.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse, roasted hatch chiles, mushroom farro and steamed Italian pole beans with roasted red peppers.  Cheers!

2023 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  It was a rather mellow day here, so I took the opportunity to cut the grass and do some laundry before the new work week begins.  And now after a bike ride, it's time for dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon.  The 2023 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Franc is a 100% Cabernet Franc from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color, with an inky black center, of a similar characteristic to a Cabernet Sauvignon.  A gentle swirl and the nose reveals aromas of blackberry, currant and peppery spice, amid hints of lavender.  The first sip is a rush of cherry cola that eases into some ripe black fruit and dark chocolate midpalate, before heading into some pronounced acidity and oak at the finish.  The tannins are very well structured, allowing for the velvety smooth and lingering dry finish that will last until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's really a nice example of the potential of a common blending varietal.  This wine is ideal for summer and would pair with a range of dishes, from burgers and brats to barbecue and tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic summer patio dinner of barbecued beef ribs, corn on the cob and sriracha slaw.  Cheers!

2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I did some laundry and mowing today and now I am ready for Sunday dinner.  As for the wine, tonight I've opened a bottle of 2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested from the oldest blocks of the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass with the look of a high-caliber Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, cherry and prune amid toasted oak such that you could practically feel yourself in the barrel room of the winery.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, jammy plum, blackberry and currant that usher you into a warm spicy adventure midpalate.  The tannins are warm and subtle, providing a perfect launching pad for the long, smooth dry finish that beckons you to take another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a spectacular example of the upper echelons of Walla Walla Cabernets.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from hard cheeses and charcuterie to braised short ribs or barbecue.  More than anything, this wine wants to be enjoyed with a big steak, and we are in luck as tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled tomahawk ribeye topped with some sauteed onions, peppers and mushrooms and served with grilled asparagus and corn on the cob.  Cheers!

2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve

Happy Saturday!  It's bee a day full of yard work, digging up dandelions, mowing, planting flowers and my herb garden, and now I need to relax with a nice glass of wine ahead of dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from a favorite Walla Walla producer, Woodward Canyon.  The 2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Cabernet Franc (14%), Merlot (9%), Malbec (5%) and Petit Verdot (2%) all sourced from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley AVA of Washington.  Let's see what this wine has to offer!

This wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, a testament to the heft of Cabernet in the blend.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and currant intertwined with earthy graphite and hints of peppery spice.  The first sip is a remarkably fresh burst of ripe fruit, cherry, black raspberry and currant with a warm peppery spice throughout that easily transitions to some earthy notes of oak and peat midpalate.  The tannins are supple and well integrated, providing the ideal base for a long, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.  

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a supremely drinkable red wine that would pair well with a broad range of dishes, from grilled steaks to tacos, smoked brisket to hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip topped with a mushroom cream sauce along with steamed asparagus and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2023 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve

Happy Easter!  I hope you are enjoying this sacred day with you families and enjoying a nice ham or lamb or whatever you choose on this special holiday.  As for me, I am opening up a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon to enjoy with my rather subdued holiday dinner.  The 2023 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Cabernet Franc (16%), Malbec (11%), Petit Verdot (9%) and Merlot (9%) from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this new vintage is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the heavy hand of the varietals in the blend.  The nose reveals aromas of lavender, black cherry, earthy basalt and hints of vanilla bean that will have you hankering for a sip. That first sip is a refreshing cascade of ripe fruit, cherry, blackberry and raspberry that transition easily to some notes of dusty limestone, tawny vanilla bean and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are integrated but subdued, providing for a velvety smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an ideal Bordeaux style blend that the Walla Walla Valley is renowned for.  This wine would pair well with a range of Easter dishes, from braised leg of lamb to an herb crusted rack of lamb, classic ham to a prime rib roast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with an easy dinner of a grilled ribeye steak with cowboy crust, steamed asparagus and oven roasted Yukon gold potatoes.  Cheers!

2023 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Thanksgiving!  Yes, I know it was two days ago, but this is the official start to the holiday season, and in the past 48 hours we've had over a foot of snow, the Christmas lights, garland and wreaths are all up and I am enjoying my "White Christmas" preview!  Of course, the holidays are better with wine, and tonight I've opened bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon Winery, the 2023 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a perennial favorite, and I think I've reviewed just about vintage since the 2010 Vintage, so let's see how the latest is shaping up!

The wine has the classic look of a deep, brooding Cabernet, inky black at the center, ruby along the edges.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of earthy, leather, graphite and toasted oak, amid fruit notes of blackberry, cherry and plum.  The first sip is a total fake out from the nose, with a rush of black fruit up front, before moving into earthy notes of dusty limestone, peat and hints of oak midpalate.  The tannins are just the right amount of structure and ease to provide for a delightfully smooth finish that lingers into your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic expression of Washington Cabernet that is so consistent year after year.  This wine would go perfectly with a fire in the midst of a snowstorm, but as for food, enjoy this one with a range of winter comfort foods, from braised short ribs to alder planked salmon, hearty beef stew to roast lamb shank.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a very beefy dinner of a grilled thick ribeye, mushroom farro and steamed asparagus.  Cheers! 

2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  Today was full of yard work, laundry and preparing for classes tomorrow, so now it's time to relax with a nice bottle of wine and Sunday dinner!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from the spring wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon, which seems fitting since the fall club shipment arrived on Friday.  The 2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Franc was harvested from vines in the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard planted nearly two decades ago, so let's see how this latest vintage is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, classic for this typically blending varietal.  The nose presents aromas of blueberry, blackberry and plum, intermingled with some interesting floral notes of lavender and violet amid earthy notes of leather and tobacco.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, with ongoing floral undertones amid evolving notes of black licorice and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing the ideal backbone for the long, smooth dry finish that will have you quickly reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of the best examples of Cabernet Franc I've had the pleasure of tasting.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, but I think it's highest and best use might be to accompany a standard cheese course, just before dessert.  Of course, I rarely have either cheese courses or desserts, so tonight I am enjoying this wine with some Italian sausage with onions and peppers and some classic spaghetti.  Cheers!

2022 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  For most, you are enjoying a long holiday weekend, but now that I am teaching, I don't get many of the traditional holidays, so for me, this is just a routine Sunday dinner.  But at least there is wine!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a perennial favorite, the 2022 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon!  I have reviewed many vintages (not always in the correct time sequence), going all the way back to the 2010 Vintage.  The current vintage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (98%) and 1% each of Petit Verdot and Malbec.  Let's see how this vintage is shaping up!

The wine has a classic Cabernet look, inky black at the center and bright ruby along the edges. The nose presents aromas of green grass, black currant and blackberry, with hints of floral undertones.  The first sip is classic Washington Cabernet, with a rush of black fruit, overtaken by earthy basalt and oak, that eases into some dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a very smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's drinking very nicely now, but is sure to evolve meaningfully over the coming decade.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, as well as hard cheeses, but it seems like this would feel most at home with a big honkin' steak.  Well, as luck would have it, tonight I am enjoying this wine with perhaps the biggest tomahawk steak I've ever grilled (and don't worry, this will likely be my dinner for the entire week!), with the last of the hatch chilies I just roasted.  Cheers!

2022 Woodward Canyon Grenache Mourvèdre Syrah Malbec Red Wine

Happy Easter!  Although the weather forecast was for rain, it's been an absolutely beautiful sunny day in the low 60s, perfect for relaxing and finishing the last bit of yard work for the weekend.  And of course there is Easter dinner to look forward to, and tonight is a good one, ideal for a new blend from Woodward Canyon that arrived a week or two ago.  This is what I affectionately call a GSMM blend with the addition of Malbec.  This wine is a blend of Grenache (41%), Mourvèdre (29%), Syrah (24%) and Malbec (6%) from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from this blend.  The nose presents rustic aromas of green grass, earthy peat and undertones of ripe blueberry, cherry and currant.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, cherry, blackberry and currant that wash across you palate with just the right amount of sweetness before transitioning to some notes of forest floor and black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are youthful but well behaved, providing for a wonderful smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a step up from the standard GSM blend, as the Malbec really gives this wine some nice backbone.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to pappardelle Bolognese, lamb to ratatouille.  Tonight, I am going the classic lamb route, but rather than the standard rack of lamb, I found a lamb loin roast at my local market, so a boneless rack of lamb!  I served this herb crusted with mashed potatoes, oven roasted Brussels sprouts and a red wine reduction.  Cheers! 

2020 Woodward Canyon Old Vines Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I had a rather uneventful Sunday, did a little laundry, went to the gym, ran some errands and now I'm ready to finish my weekend with a nice dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a rather special wine, that is seemingly always at the top of the ratings.  The 2020 Woodward Canyon Old Vines Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (94%), Petit Verdot (3%) and Malbec (3%) sourced from the Sagemoor, Wienbau and Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyards in Washington state.  I can't wait to take a sip!

The wine has an inky black look at the center, with bright ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a nice Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, anise, black currant, lemongrass and cocoa that egg you on to take that first sip.  And that sip is a delight as you experience a rush of ripe black fruit that fills your mouth as your brain catches up.  Soon, you are whisked to an Ivy League library with rich leather, anise and vanilla caramel midpalate, before the firm yet smooth tannins set you up for the long, velvety dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's exemplary of what great Washington Cabernet can be.  While this is likely not an everyday sipper, it's well worth opening with family and friends for a special evening.  This wine would pair well with braised short ribs or rack of lamb, but who are we kidding, this big wine wants nothing but steak!  Tonight, I am doing just that, and enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Angus ribeye, blistered tomatoes on the vine, bacon roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes and gravy.  Cheers!

2021 Woodward Canyon Estate Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I finally had a day to relax on my vacation, so I did some laundry and went out for a movie, and now it's time for Sunday dinner and a nice bottle of wine. Tonight I've opened a bottle from a recent shipment from Woodward Canyon Winery, the 2021 Woodward Canyon Estate Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the oldest vines in the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington.  Let's see how this latest vintage is faring!

The wine has a classic Cabernet look in the glass, inky at the center and bright ruby along the edges. The nose is a more subtle affair, with aromas of leather, blackberry, toasted oak and basalt with undertones of lavender.  The first sip is a dynamic combination of black cherry, caramel and vanilla bean up front, that transition easily to some earthy notes of dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are surprisingly mellow for such a young wine, providing just the right foundation for the long, smooth dry finish with just a faint bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's drinking well right now, but will likely gain a good bit of traction with a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty meat dishes, from braised bison short ribs to rack of lamb to a big steak.  Tonight I have opted for the latter and am enjoying this wine with a Bisteca Fiorentina, grilled broccoli rabe and sweet potato puree.  Cheers!

2021 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  Tonight's wine represents another installment of a great series of Washington wines that I've been reviewing since the 2010 vintage more than a decade ago!  I didn't say the latest, as I just received the next vintage in my wine club shipment a week or so ago, but at least I'm trying to catch up!  The 2021 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Petit Verdot (7%), Merlot (5%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) from the Woodward Canyon Estate, Weinbau and Sagemoor Vineyards of Washington State.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep, enticing ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a great Washington Cabernet.  The nose presents vibrant aromas of sweet cherry, violet and toasted oak, with an undercurrent of dark chocolate and espresso.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black cherry, marionberry and currant that transition easily to some notes of baking spice and dusty loam midpalate.  The tannins are pronounced and expertly structured, providing for a silky smooth dry finish that will have you quickly reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of my favorite Washington Cabernets, given its quality and consistency over many years.  This wine would pair well with a big steak, grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, or almost any hearty winter dish that needs a big wine to dance with.  Tonight, I am taking the advice of the winery and enjoying this wine with a big ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with bacon roasted Brussels sprouts and classic mashed potatoes.  Cheers!

2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot-Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  The weekend is almost over, and this weekend time seems to have been going by faster than usual, so here we are with a bottle of wine and Sunday dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that was recently delivered from Woodward Canyon, the 2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot-Cabernet Franc is a blend of Merlot (75%) and Cabernet Franc (25%) that was the result of a collaboration between vineyard manager and second-generation owner, Sager Small and winemaker, Kevin Mott to commemorate the birth of Sager's daughter just before the 2020 harvest.  The wine was aged for 20 months in 100% neutral barrels, in an effort to highlight the character of each varietal.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep garnet color in the glass, just as you'd expect from the heavy weighting of Merlot in the blend.  The nose presents aromas of leather, blackberry and currant, intermingled with some dusty gravel and a hint of anise.  The first sip leaves your palate awash in ripe black fruit, plum, currant and blackberry that subside in some earthy mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are plump and well structured, giving credit to the impact of the Merlot in the blend, providing for wonderfully smooth dry finish, with a reprise of current at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an interesting and pleasant drinking blend.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from traditional steaks and chops, to braised short ribs or rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am taking a different approach as I tried my hand at Indian butter chicken, though I couldn't resist adding a bunch of vegetables as well, served over basmati rice with a bit of naan on the side.  Cheers!

2020 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a weekend of yard work as I am nearing the end of leaf harvest, and soon all the trees will be bare and several metric tons of leaves will be hauled to the front of my house.  And now that it gets dark before suppertime, I suppose it's appropriate to open a nice bottle of wine in anticipation of dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a perennial favorite, the 2020 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon (you can see the many other vintages I've reviewed here).  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (76%), Petit Verdot (12%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Merlot (4%), and 1% each of Syrah, Barbera and Dolcetto.  So, let's see what this vintage has to offer!

The wine is a deep inky black at the center with bright garnet along the edges, just as you would expect from a nice Cabernet.  Take a whiff and you're greeted by aromas of black cherry, leather, anise and a hint of mint.  The first sip is rush of ripe black fruit that transitions to some notes of dried spice and earthy notes of tar and basalt.  The velvety mouthfeel and well integrated tannins offer and appropriate yin and yang to a Cabernet that really shines through the Bordeaux aspects of Washington state.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, and since it's still relatively young, there is plenty of opportunity to mature with some time in the cellar.  This wine would pair exceptionally well with hearty steaks, braised short ribs or hearty fall stews.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare American Wagyu strip from Snake River Farms, along with some oven roasted sweet potatoes, leeks and maple bacon Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2019 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 191

Happy Sunday!  I meant to do some yard work today, but by the time I went grocery shopping, went to Costco and finished all my other errands, there was just enough time left to do laundry and open up a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight's wine is a special one, the 2019 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 191.  You may be familiar with Clone 191, as it's the same one that is featured in Seven Hills' Summit View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's one of the highest rated Bordeaux clones for Cabernet.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just what you'd expect from the varietal.  Take a whiff and you'll note aromas of graphite, blackberry, cassis and rich leather that offer a prelude to a special wine.  The first sip starts with a rush of tart cherry that eases into ripe blueberry, black olive and cedar notes with a velvety mouthfeel that will set your mind racing.  The balanced tannin structure offers a perfect foundation for a velvety smooth dry finish that lingers on your palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, knowing that it's still early in its development, so I'd expect this wine to improve even further with a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty fall dishes, from braised short ribs to hearty pasta, beef stew to roasted lamb shank, but above all this wine wants a steak!  So, tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse, grilled leeks, blistered cherry tomatoes and grilled asparagus.  Cheers!

2019 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It was a lovely day here today, mostly sunny and temperatures in the low 80s, so I got the last of my hedge trimming done in the back yard!  Now that I'm done with the heavy chores, it's time to relax with a nice dinner and glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine from the first winery I ever visited in Walla Walla, Woodward Canyon!  Back at the turn of the century, Woodward Canyon and L'Ecole No. 41 were the first wineries you came to as you headed east on US 12 from the west side of the state, so that was my first stop on that first visit.  Back to today, the 2019 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) and Petit Verdot (8%) all sourced from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a high-quality Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry, black cherry and earthy tar that will have you visualizing an Ivy League library.  Take a sip and you're awash in sweet ripe fruit, blackberry, cherry and currant that ease into notes of dusty limestone and graphite midpalate.  The tannins are supple, providing for a velvety, smooth dry finish that lingers till your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasant drinking Cabernet that would stand up to some of the heartiest dishes.  This wine would pair well with many beef dishes, from steaks to braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled New York strip topped with blistered cherry tomatoes, along with some mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2019 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I had a wonderful day yesterday at the local Elkhart Airshow, seeing a lot of vintage World War II airplanes and reenactments, and then I had a wonderful dinner with the neighbors.  So, today I did a bunch of yard work and now I am ready for a nice bottle of wine with dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a recent purchase from a long-time favorite Walla Walla Winery, the 2019 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (93%) and Petit Verdot (7%) from the Champoux, Woodward Canyon, Wallula and Weinbau Vineyards, some of the best of  Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black and the center with bright ruby along the edges, letting you know that you're about to taste something special,  A gentle swirl in the glass reveals aromas of raspberry, blackberry and oak, beckoning you to take a sip.  And that first sip reveals flavors of black cherry, raspberry and dark chocolate, intermingled with mineral notes of graphite and limestone midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated providing for a velvety dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, but it has the potential to improve with a few years in the cellar (lucky I have a couple more reserved for future consumption!).  This wine would pair well with a broad range of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to hearty shews or rich pasta dishes.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled thick Angus porterhouse along with some grilled broccoli rabe and blistered cherry tomatoes.  Cheers!

2019 Woodward Canyon Estate Barbera

Happy Sunday!  It's been a rather relaxing day, as I've done laundry and cooked a wonderful Sunday dinner which should be just about done!  So, in thinking about what has been slowly cooking in the oven these last few hours, I decided on a long-time favorite wine to open.  The 2019 Woodward Canyon Estate Barbera was produced from some of the oldest vines in the AVA as Woodward Canyon has been producing the varietal for more than 20 years (you can see my review of an early vintage here: 2002 Woodward Canyon Barbera).  So let's see what this latest vintage has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with nice clarity.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of leather, white peppercorns, blackberry and plum with just a hint of floral notes over the top.  The first sip washes your palate with ripe black fruit, cherry, plum and currant, intermingles with a hint of blueberry.  The fruit transitions effortlessly to some earthy notes of dusty limestone as well as some tart cherry to wake up your tastebuds.  The tannins are well structured to provide a nice base for the long, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of my all time favorite Barberas and this vintage does not disappoint.  This wine is also a fantastic value, with a retail price of $32 and case discounts available, you really can't beat this wine as an everyday red.  The Woodward Canyon Barbera would pair well with a broad range of dishes, from steaks and chops to pizza and tacos.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a classic Sunday dinner of slow roasted pot roast along with an array of root vegetables and some steamed peas.  Cheers!

2019 Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  This morning started out busy as a group of us met at church to prep for cooking Easter breakfast for 85 members of the choir and worship team, so after that things were much more relaxed.  I did a bit of yard work, bought some groceries and now I'm ready for a relaxing dinner.  To accompany that, I've opened a bottle of wine from one of the first wineries I every visited in Walla Walla, Woodward Canyon, and this from their second label.  The 2019 Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of  Cabernet Sauvignon(76%), Merlot (14%), Petit Verdot (7%), Malbec (2%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) sourced from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard, Champoux, Sagemoor, Weinbau and Wallula Vinyards.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep inky black at the center with bright garnet along the edges, as you might expect from a nice Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of ripe black fruit, vanilla bean, tobacco and a bit of earthy graphite.  The first sip opens the curtain on the complexity of this wine, as you are at first greeted with some ripe blackberry, cherry and plum, before transitioning to some earthy mineral notes and subdued spice notes midpalate.  The tannins are expertly structured to create a very old world mouthfeel and profile, supporting a long, smooth dry finish that lingers on the palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it punches way above its weight class for a $25 everyday wine.  This wine would pair well with steaks, lamb or barbecue, but would also be an ideal weeknight sipper.  The winery suggests pairing this wine with a French brasserie style onglet steak au poivre, so I am taking a somewhat tangential tack and enjoying this with a classic steak and tots for dinner, a rare grilled bone-in Angus ribeye along with some tater tots and maple bacon roasted giant Brussels sprouts that were on sale at my local market today.  Cheers!

2018 Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon

Thank heavens it's Friday!  It's been a long week and I am surely ready for a break.  Between work and rehearsals for an upcoming community theatre production I'm in, it seems like I was up at 5:30 each morning and then running non-stop until 11 pm!  But, no rehearsal tonight so I get to enjoy a bottle of wine and a dinner that does not consist of quickly reheated leftovers.  So, with that in mind, I've opened a bottle of 2018 Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon, a second label Columbia Valley Cabernet produced by Woodward Canyon Winery, a winery that I first visited over 20 years ago!  Let's see how this wine is shaping up.

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you might expect from a mellow Columbia Valley Cabernet.  A gentle swirl releases aromas of ripe black plum, currant and cherry, intermingled with notes of black pepper spice and a bit of green cedar.  A first sip reveals a rush of black fruit, dried herbs and a hint of leather, that just has a wonderfully velvety mouthfeel.  Midpalate provides a bit of vanilla bean wrapping up with some black pepper spice on the finish.  The tannins are well structured and approachable, for a lovely dry finish that will have you soon reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a solid everyday Cabernet at a value price of just $25.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty, winter comfort dishes, from braised short ribs to hearty pasta, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a mid-rare grilled bison New York strip along with some oven roasted potatoes and beets, and asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!