This is the second release of our Walla Walla Valley Estate Syrah which was produced from grapes grown at Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard (Salmon Safe certified) at the western edge of the Walla Walla Valley. It is comprised of a combination of Tablas Creek Syrah clones and Clone #174. All fruit was hand harvested, hand sorted, and then destemmed to a 1.5-ton open top fermenter. Grapes underwent a 48 hour cold soak followed by inoculation with Woodward Canyon native yeast. Daily punch downs were done by hand twice a day. After pressing and settling, this wine went to French oak barrels for additional aging and maturation.
This captivating wine displays a deep ruby hue, hinting at its complexity. Aromas of ripe blackberry and plum mingle with savory notes of cracked black pepper, smoked meat and a touch of violet. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and richly textured, showcasing layers of dark fruit, espresso bean and a subtle hint of oak. The tannins are present yet refined, providing structure and a long, smooth finish. While delicious now, this Syrah has the potential to age gracefully for a decade or more. Decanting is recommended if enjoying it in the near term.
Hand harvested and sorted. 48 hour cold soak, Fermented with Woodward Canyon native yeast in 2 ton stainless steel fermenters.
94 POINTS - Owen Bargreen: The 2022 Woodward Canyon ‘Walla Walla Valley' Syrah was stored in in combination of French and Hungarian oak before bottling. It is rich and viscous with a neat texture. Milk chocolate flavors combine with sweet pipe tobacco, black currants and black olive tapenade on the palate. The balance between poise, richness and fruit/non-fruit flavors is seriously fabulous. Very delicious now, watch this beauty evolve over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034 | Wine Advocate: 92+ Points, The 2022 Syrah Walla Walla unfurls slowly on the nose to reveal blueberry, plum, violet, cocoa powder and graphite aromas. The full-bodied palate offers nuanced, floral flavors. It's structured by soft, silky tannins and fresh acidity and has a long, latent finish. It will benefit from several years in the cellar. 120 cases were made.
Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard Planted in 1977, Woodward Canyon is the westernmost vineyard in Walla Walla Valley AVA, roughly 15 miles west of Walla Walla, Washington. There are 41 vineyard acres planted and several more acres of green belts that support native species such as western juniper, ponderosa pine, western sage-brush, arrowleaf balsamroot, and perennial wildflowers. Ritzville silt loam over fractured basalt, slope 15-18%, 750-850ft elevation. Managed by Woodward Canyon. All grapes are Salmon Safe certified as is the wine.
