As the next step in its evolution, Canvasback opened a tasting room in June of 2019 in Walla Walla’s southside wine district.
Founded by Napa’s Duckhorn winery, Canvasback laid down roots in Washington when it planted predominately Cabernet (with some Merlot) on a prime 20-acre plot situated near the top of Red Mountain in 2014. The winery is armed with a stronghold of talent that includes winegrower Dick Boushey as vineyard manager and founding winemaker Brian Rudin (previously of Cadaretta and Buried Cane).
The name Canvasback was chosen in keeping with the Duckhorn Portfolio’s waterfowl tradition. The Canvasback duck is native to the Pacific Flyway, with breeding grounds in Washington State.
It was Duckhorn’s pioneering spirit that ultimately brought the company to Washington, and Red Mountain in particular, a place they firmly believe will become the new frontier for growing Cabernet.
“Red Mountain is one of the best places on earth to grow Cabernet,” says Brian, who is also a certified sommelier with a keen palate. “The desert environment, with its long days, cold nights and mineral-rich soils, produces epic Cabernet Sauvignon.” He adheres to the model established decades ago by Duckhorn Vineyards, combining grapes from top growers with fruit from Canvasback’s own estate vineyard.
“As a Washington winemaker,” adds Brian, “planting a vineyard from scratch, in what is widely recognized as the grand-cru portion of Red Mountain, was a dream come true. In the years to come, I know establishing our Longwinds Vineyard will be one of the proudest accomplishments of my career.”
There is nothing ho-hum about these reds—they are a Cab lover’s Nirvana, solidly built with deep complexity and structure. In fact, the 2016 Grand Passage Cabernet is a masterful version and earned our highest rating. The tasting room is located at 1825 J.B. George Rd, Walla Walla. Check website for more info at www.canvasbackwine.com
Below are two releases we recently reviewed:
Canvasback 2016 Grand Passage Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, $84
Editor’s Choice – Extraordinary (95-100 pts.)
Immaculate and deeply concentrated, exhibiting superb structure with polished tannins that circulate nimbly to every point on the palate. The depth and range of flavors is notable, evoking cassis, blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry preserves woven with accents of tobacco leaf, menthol and dark chocolate. The volume and power build on the lush finish.
Canvasback 2016 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, $42
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Character and complexity define this suave red wine, loaded with dark stone fruit flavors of black cherry and blue plum accented with warm baking spices, tobacco and anise. Rich and full bodied, with sweet tannins that add punch on the supple finish.