Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon

Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon is a Columbia Valley red blend from Woodward Canyon Winery, bottled at 14.2% ABV in a 750ml format. Launched in 1998 as Woodward Canyon's second label, this wine channels the acclaimed winery's surplus production and younger vineyard fruit into a Bordeaux-inspired blend that consistently punches above its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.2%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Style: Cabernet Sauvignon Blend  |  Winery: Woodward Canyon (Second Label)

Production & Heritage

Woodward Canyon Winery, founded by Rick Small in 1981 in the Walla Walla Valley, is one of Washington State's pioneering estate producers. The Nelms Road label was created in 1998 specifically to bottle wine from younger vineyards and surplus lots that don't make the cut for the flagship Woodward Canyon bottlings — a declassification approach common among top-tier producers. The blend for recent vintages has been predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (around 76%) supported by Cabernet Franc (19%), with small additions of Petit Verdot, Mourvèdre, Merlot, and Dolcetto, giving it a layered complexity unusual at this value level.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with black currant and ripe plum before moving into olive, cedar spice, and tobacco leaf. A subtle graphite or lead-pencil quality adds depth and structure to the aromatic profile.

Taste: The entry is rich and palate-coating, with savory blackberry fruit dominating the mid-palate alongside dark cherry and fresh herb accents. The mouthfeel is velvety, with well-integrated, mature tannins that provide body without harshness. Berry fruit builds through the mid-palate with a finely balanced acidity keeping things lifted.

Finish: The finish is long and generous, carrying savory dark fruit and a gentle cedar-spice thread. Tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a lingering impression of ripe blackberry and dried herb.

How to Drink Nelms Road

This wine shows best at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 30 minutes of breathing time in a Bordeaux glass. It rewards patient sipping but is also structured enough for food-forward contexts. A bold Cabernet Sauvignon Cocktail (red wine, blackberry liqueur, and a dash of bitters) works with the dark fruit core. A classic Kalimotxo — equal parts red wine and cola served over ice — turns it into an easy warm-weather pour. For a refined aperitif, a New York Sour benefits from the wine's savory berry character floated atop bourbon and citrus.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want winery-quality wine without a flagship price
• Introducing Washington State Cabernet to friends exploring beyond Napa
• Pairing with grilled red meats or hearty fall and winter dishes
• Building a case of reliable, food-friendly reds for entertaining

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon taste like? It delivers savory blackberry and dark cherry fruit with cedar spice, olive, and tobacco undertones, framed by velvety tannins and a long, generous finish.

How does Nelms Road compare to Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon? Nelms Road is Woodward Canyon's official second label, made from younger vineyard fruit and surplus lots rather than the estate's top selections. It shares a similar stylistic DNA — structured and savory — but is blended for earlier drinking and positioned at a significantly lower price point.

Is Nelms Road good for everyday drinking? Absolutely — it was designed as an approachable, affordable expression of Woodward Canyon's winemaking, making it an excellent choice for regular meals and casual gatherings without sacrificing depth or complexity.

Where is Nelms Road made? Nelms Road is produced by Woodward Canyon Winery in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington State, using fruit sourced from vineyards across the broader Columbia Valley AVA.

What foods pair well with Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's savory, herbal character. Braised short ribs match its dark fruit weight and velvety tannins. Aged cheddar echoes the cedar and tobacco notes. Mushroom risotto highlights the earthy, olive-toned mid-palate. Dark chocolate with sea salt pairs well with the long berry-driven finish.

What sizes does Nelms Road come in? Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Nelms Road worth the price? Nelms Road positions as a value-tier expression backed by a premium pedigree — it is declassified fruit from one of Washington's most respected wineries. For drinkers seeking Columbia Valley Cabernet with genuine complexity and winemaking integrity, it represents strong value in its category.

Why Nelms Road?

Few second labels carry this much credibility. Woodward Canyon is one of the founding estates of the modern Washington wine industry, and Nelms Road exists because Rick Small refused to release anything under the flagship name that didn't meet his top standard — meaning this wine is essentially premium fruit that narrowly missed a much more expensive bottle. The multi-varietal blend, anchored by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with small lots of Petit Verdot, Mourvèdre, Merlot, and Dolcetto, gives it a structural complexity rare at this tier. For anyone serious about Washington Cabernet, Nelms Road is the most direct way to access Woodward Canyon's cellar without the flagship investment.