2012 Woodward Canyon Estate Dolcetto, Walla Walla Valley ($26)
Fermented in stainless steel, this Dolcetto shows wonderful fruit. It displays a deep purplish color and aromas of blueberry, cherry and plum that jump out of the glass, with scents of black roses and anise. The young red fruit flavors are ripe and vibrant, intermixed with cocoa, mocha and earthy minerals. On the back, the fruits turn sweetish (“dolce”), yet dry, with notes of dried cherries and roasted nuts, followed by a squeeze of tart blueberry juice and a dusting of baking spices on the generous smooth tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.
2011 Woodward Canyon “20th Anniversary Artist’s Series” Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State ($59)
Composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot, this shows a deep ruby color and a rich nose of blackberry, cherry, cassis, and black olive, with scents of crushed roses, cigar box, juniper berries and sage. On the palate, the flavors are deliciously supple, yet deep cored, underlain with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, French roast and minerally earth. The back reveals squeezed berries, roasted nuts, mocha, kirsch liqueur and crème de cassis, followed by a fine balance of fruit acids, deft oak, and subtle spices on the lingering finish. 19+/20 points.
2010 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley ($79)
This is an archetypal Walla Walla blend of 41% Merlot, 31% Petit Verdot, and 14% each of Cab Sauvignon and Cab Franc. It displays a deep crimson color and a seductive nose of blackberry, huckleberry, cherry and cassis with scents of crushed black roses, juniper berry, sweet pipe tobacco, and black violets. The flavors are as sensuous as the aromatics, with the lavish dark fruits interwoven with licorice, finely ground cocoa powder, French roast and loam and gravel earth. The back reveals gently squeezed fruits, kirsch liqueur, and touches of dried orange peel, toast, butternut and toffee, and integrated oak, followed by a seemingly endless fine grained tannin finish. 19.5/20 points.
