In honour of Boxing Day, we are spelling honor with a “u” and drinking 2003 Charbonneau Red from Woodward Canyon. We picked up a bottle last April when we visited the winery’s tasting room in a restored 1870’s farmhouse in Lowden, about 13 miles west of Walla Walla.

As regular readers know, we’re big fans of Bordeaux-style blends, and Woodward Canyon’s Charbonneau is one of our favorites. The rich, robust blend is a deep garnet red–56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 5% Cab Franc. It’s a unique wine because it’s both soft and spicy.

We were waiting for a special occasion to open it — and Boxing Day is just that! So Happy Boxing Day!

Cheers!