Primary sourcing has always come from some of the oldest cabernet blocks and the most highly acclaimed sites in the state. The 1987 vintage was the first Washington wine to be on Wine Spectator’s Top 10 list. This is a full-bodied cabernet and will typically age well with proper cellar conditions, 15+ years from vintage.
The 2023 Woodward Canyon Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep, inky purple wine with intense aromas of ripe black currant, dark cherry and spiced plum, followed by layers of dark chocolate and hints of graphite. The wine is full-bodied and rich on the palate, with flavors of black fruits and a touch of earthiness. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, providing beautiful structure and a long, lingering finish. The careful fermentation and French oak aging contribute a beautiful balance of acidity, fruit and oak, making it a classic example of a Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon. This vintage has excellent aging potential due to the lower sugar levels, which preserved acidity and freshness.
96 Points - Owen Bargreen: Another stunning edition, the 2023 ‘Old Vines’ is a hedonistic and massive bottling that needs about 1-2 hours in the decanter before enjoying. Once aroused, this offers violet rose petals, scorched earth and wintergreen notes on the nose alongside heady dark fruits. The pallets is plush and refined with a sinfully good mouthfeel and bright underlying acidity. Glorious in its heady youth, watch this beauty evolve over the next two decades. Drink 2026-2046
Weinbau Vineyard: Weinbau has a view of the Rattlesnake Mountains to the south, and the Saddle Mountains to the north. The land slopes gently south, with elevation ranging from 710-950 feet. Weinbau is a warm site with excellent air drainage, and the soil is dominated by Kennewick silt loam with a 2-5% slope. The consistency of soil type shows up in vine growth and subsequently in the wines.
Bacchus Vineyard: Bacchus is one of six vineyards managed by Sagemoor. Located on the east side of the Columbia River and 15 miles north of Tri-Cities, WA, Bacchus resides in the White Bluffs AVA and has 180 acres planted to wine grapes. Next door to our Dionysus Vineyard, they share a commanding view to the west overlooking the mighty Columbia River and the Rattlesnake Mountains. The sloping land's elevation ranges from 550 to 900 feet, and soft rolling knolls keep vineyard temperatures warm with excellent air drainage. In 1972 Bacchus was originally planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin?Blanc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. After years of experimentation and feedback from winery partners, they removed Chenin Blanc and added Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Bacchus is a leading source of old vine Washington fruit with over 35 acres of original 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon. Quincy loamy fine sand, Sagehill very fine sandy loam, 2-10% slope.
Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard: Planted in 1977, Woodward Canyon is the westernmost vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley AVA, roughly 15 miles west of Walla Walla, Washington. There are 35 vineyard acres planted and several more acres of green belts that support native species such as western juniper, ponderosa pine, western sagebrush, 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 & Live Certified.
