2011 Woodward Canyon Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon

About Nelms Road: In 1998, Woodward Canyon Winery began producing wines under its second label, Nelms Road. Nelms Road offers merlot and cabernet sauvignon from Walla Walla Valley and Washington State grapes. It was developed to produce delicious and affordable red wine from young vineyards or declassified Woodward Canyon Winery production. While these wines may be cellared for several years, they are truly ready for enjoyment now.Description:   This newest bottling of Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the 2011 vintage very well. The younger vines from Spring Creek and Woodward Canyon continue to produce better grapes allowing us to produce better wine nearly every year. Add to that some truly phenomenal press wine from some of the oldest and most celebrated vineyards in Washington State such as Woodward Canyon, Champoux and Sagemoor, and we can produce an exceptional cabernet sauvignon at a very attractive price.  The warm and moderate growing conditions of 2011 gave enticing aromas of black fruits, exotic spices, tobacco, and graphite. The wine is dark purple in color. In the mouth the wine offers sweet blackberry fruit, ripe mature tannins and a long generous finish. The wine is in beautiful proportion.   While this wine was produced for early consumption I do believe that it will improve with additional time in bottle. With proper storage this wine should easily age five years. This red wine would be fantastic with wood-fired pizza, roasted meats and any well-made raw milk cheese.

Review: Outstanding "Rick Small, founding winemaker of Woodward Canyon, created this second label in 1998 so his wines could be more accessible and affordable. It’s obvious from this bottling that he and winemaker Kevin Mott hold nothing back. It opens with aromas of dark spice, black olive, dark chocolate, black tea, blackberry and pipe tobacco. On the palate, it shows off complex flavors of black currant jam, cocoa powder, blackberry and herbal tea. The chocolaty tannins already are tamed, providing ready access to the delicious fruit."Reviewer: Wine Press NW, Spring 2013