It opens relatively soft and forward (for a Woodward Canyon Cab) then delivers a burst of sweet cherry fruit backed with barrel flavors of cinnamon and mocha. There is plenty of acidity and astringent tannins propping up the finish; another year or two of bottle age will help to smooth it out. P.G.

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla includes 10% Cabernet Franc 7% Syrah 3% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot in the blend. Medium purple in color it offers up a classy nose of cedar tobacco Asian spices violets black currant and blackberry. On the palate it is smooth-textured and plush with an abundance of black fruit flavors along with suggestions of chocolate mocha and other savory elements. This lengthy effort has enough structure to evolve for several more years and will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2023. -Jay Miller