Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Professional Ratings

• 94 Jeb Dunnuck
  The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series checks in as 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 1% each of Petit Verdot and Merlot, aged in 58% new French oak. Rock star notes of pure cassis and spiced red plums are intermixed with lots of cedar pencil, leafy herbs, chocolate, and spring flower aromas on the nose. These all carry over to the palate, where the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and structured, with ripe, polished yet building tannins that emerge on the finish. As with the other 2017s here, the cellar will be your friend, and it's going to reward 4-5 years of bottle age. It's going to have 25+ years of longevity. Rating: 94+
• 92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series (Artist Series #26) is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 1% of each Petit Verdot and Merlot. The wine has a generous nose of dark red and black fruit, with dusty cherry, black raspberry, blackberry compote, currant and cassis with aromas of generous oak tones that are not overdone, lifting the dusty floral aromas out of the glass. Full-bodied, the wine opens to a soft chocolaty expression with components of wilted flowers, black tea and dried savory herbs before showing a robust frame held together by buttressing tannins. The wine ends with a long, complex finish that continues to evolve in the mouth. The wine underwent a slow spontaneous fermentation in the barrel lasting up to six months and then spent 21 months in oak barrels, 58% new.

• 91 Wine Enthusiast

  Aromas of green herb, vanilla, dried cherry, chocolate, cocoa and flower lead to rich, layered dark fruit flavors with plentiful barrel accents. It’s made in a rich, hedonistic style, drinking like a candy bar. It has enough stuffing to lay down for a decade or two in the cellar. Fruit and barrel play equal parts. Give the oak some time to integrate. Best after 2025.

• 91 James Suckling

  A soft, fruity red with currant, chocolate and coffee character. Full bodied, creamy and velvety. Flavorful finish. 85% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot and 1% merlot. Drink now.

• 91 Decanter

  Deep, full and resonant, with blackcurrants and blackberries, oak and sweet spices. Purity and freshness on the palate.