Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 is a Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2009 vintage, bottled at 15.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Named to the 100 Best Bottles of Washington Wine list at #39, this release from one of the state's founding wineries showcases the power and longevity that has defined Woodward Canyon's reputation for over four decades.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15.8%  |  Origin: Walla Walla Valley, Washington State  |  Vintage: 2009  |  Winery: Woodward Canyon Winery

Production & Heritage

Woodward Canyon Winery was established in 1981 by Rick Small and Darcey Fugman-Small in the small community of Lowden, within the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Rick Small was among the earliest proponents of premium Cabernet Sauvignon production in Washington State, and the winery remains family-owned. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon—part of the Artist Series—draws roughly half its fruit from the legendary Champoux Vineyard and nearly a third from the estate vineyard, with additional lots from Sagemoor and other select sites. The blend incorporates approximately 15% Cabernet Franc along with smaller proportions of Merlot and Petit Verdot, resulting in a wine that carries remarkable structure at its generous alcohol level.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with high-toned floral and herbal elements before revealing layers of dark coffee, concentrated dark fruit, and warm baking spice. The Cabernet Franc component contributes lifted, inner-mouth aromatics that distinguish it from a pure varietal bottling.

Taste: On the palate, the wine enters thick and richly endowed, with sweet, ripe black fruit commanding the mid-palate. Despite approaching port-level alcohol, the mouthfeel remains plush and well-proportioned, with carefully preserved acidity providing essential structure. Ripe tannins and liquorous barrel notes weave through the fruit without overwhelming it.

Finish: The finish extends with excellent length, carrying earth, cedar, and tobacco notes that deepen as the wine lingers. Mature tannins and persistent dark fruit resolve gracefully, avoiding heat despite the elevated ABV.

How to Drink Woodward Canyon 2009

Given its age and concentration, this wine benefits from decanting for 45 to 60 minutes before serving at around 62–65°F. The ultra-ripe fruit and port-like richness have allowed the 2009 to age remarkably well, developing secondary characteristics reminiscent of vintage port. Serve in large-bowled Bordeaux stems to let the complex aromatics fully develop. A small splash of water or slight chill can help manage the perception of alcohol for those sensitive to higher ABV wines.

Best For

• Cellaring alongside other benchmark Washington Cabernets from the 2009 vintage
• Gifting to a serious collector of Pacific Northwest wines
• Pouring at a seated dinner course featuring red meat or aged cheese
• Opening for a comparative tasting of Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignons

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Woodward Canyon 2009 taste like? The dominant profile is thick, ripe black fruit supported by earth, cedar, and tobacco, with a plush mouthfeel and liquorous richness that carries its high alcohol with surprising balance.

How does Woodward Canyon 2009 compare to Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon? Both wineries are considered founding pillars of Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon, with Quilceda Creek tending toward a more structured, extracted style and Woodward Canyon leaning into ripe, plush fruit and multi-vineyard complexity. The 2009 Woodward Canyon is notably generous in alcohol and sweetness of fruit compared to Quilceda Creek's typically more restrained profile in the same vintage.

Is Woodward Canyon 2009 good for drinking now? Yes—at over fifteen years of age, the wine has developed mature secondary characteristics and softened tannins, making it drinking well now, particularly after decanting for up to an hour.

Where is Woodward Canyon made? Woodward Canyon Winery is located in Lowden, Washington, within the Walla Walla Valley AVA, and the 2009 Cabernet draws fruit primarily from Champoux Vineyard, the estate vineyard, and Sagemoor.

What foods pair well with Woodward Canyon 2009? Grilled bone-in ribeye steak complements the wine's weight and tannin structure. Braised short ribs with root vegetables mirror its earthy depth. Aged Gruyère or Comté cheese echoes the nutty, savory undertones. Dark chocolate with sea salt plays off the ripe fruit and barrel sweetness. Lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic bridges the herbal aromatics in the blend.

What sizes does Woodward Canyon 2009 come in? The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon was released in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Woodward Canyon 2009 worth the price? Woodward Canyon positions as a premium Washington Cabernet producer, and the 2009 vintage—with its inclusion on the 100 Best Bottles of Washington Wine list and a 91-point average critical score—represents strong value among library-age wines from top-tier Walla Walla Valley estates.

Why Woodward Canyon 2009?

This wine draws its character from a multi-vineyard blend anchored by Champoux—one of Washington's most storied sites—and the Small family's own estate plantings. The 2009 vintage produced wines of extraordinary concentration across the Columbia Valley, and Woodward Canyon's version has aged with a port-like grace that few domestic Cabernets achieve. Recognized as #39 on the 100 Best Bottles of Washington Wine, it carries the credibility of both critical validation and over four decades of consistent winemaking from one of the state's original premium producers. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a mature, fully developed expression of Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, this remains a compelling reference point.