2005 Special Selection

They've done it again! If you're a fan of Woodward Canyon you may have heard or have had a chance to sample one of the three Special Selection wines we have released in the past. This is a wine where Rick only produced it when we've had a spectacular vintage that warranted a bottling. The quality of fruit that we receive must be above and beyond that of even our "Old Vines" Cabernet. We've had years in the past where Rick will think we'll have Special Selection quality from the beginning only to find that it does not make the cut. So far only the 1988, 1993 and 1999 vintages has passed the test and have gone on to be bottled. Well get ready, because Rick and Kevin have just released our fourth "Special" and it has been worth the wait!

2005 was an exceptional vintage and this red wine is truly what "special" means. This wine is why we do this!    - Rick Small

The 2005 Special Selection definitely does not disappoint. 75% cabernet sauvignon from old vines out of Champoux Vineyard, 13% petit verdot and 12% merlot from our Estate Vineyard. These grapes were harvested by hand in mid-October and were additionally hand sorted prior to crushing. It was twice-aged in new French chateau barrels and finally bottled unfined and unfiltered in April of 2008.

"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."   - Rick 

We have a very limited amount of the Special Selection, having only produced 98 cases - with no magnums bottled. Please order online at www.woodwardcanyon.com soon so you don't miss out!

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Here's what Dr Jay Miller's (with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate) had to say about the 2005 "Special Selection".
Review:  94 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