95 Points - Wine Enthusiast
93 Points - International Wine Report
92 Points - Owen Bargreen
Winemaking
The individual Walala Vineyard blocks were vinified and aged separately on lees. Clone 113 provided the core of the blend, ofering intriguing tropical flavors and layers of texture. Clone 115 provided a rich structural core and red fruit flavors. Clone 828 was fermented whole-cluster and blended in sparingly to add verve and complexity. The blended wine ofers balance and depth, displaying exceptional structure and tropical nuances.
Vineyard
Walala Vineyard possesses a breathtaking ridgeline that sits 1,200 feet above sea level, just inland from the Pacific Ocean near the coastal town of Annapolis. The maritime climate of this vineyard marks the extreme western edge of Pinot noir wine growing with success being determined by precise viticulture. The site’s gravelly loam soils provide an excellent foundation for clones 113, 115 and 828 that are planted on 3309C and Riparia Gloire rootstocks. This vineyard allows long hang time due to its close proximity to the coast, while the elevation gives the vines ample sunlight in which to ripen.
Vintage
The 2019 vintage was similar to 2018 in that the mild season allowed for long and slow maturation. The lack of major heat waves and virtually no rain during harvest allowed us to pick every vineyard block at optimal ripeness. The 2019 vintage was slightly lower yielding, which resulted in greater concentration in the wines. Balanced structures and rich flavors are consistent throughout the 2019 vintage wines.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Vineyards: Walala Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 50% New French Oak
pH: 3.64
TA: 5.7 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered August 2020
Cases Produced: 450
Alcohol: 14.2%
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93 Points
Inviting aromas of dark red fruit, blood orange and fresh plum on the nose, with undertones of rose petals, cinnamon bun, and gingerbread. Flavors of dark fruit, black olives and blackberries, are followed by hints of moss and savory dried herb.
93 Points
Aromas of white peach, lemon curd, fresh grapefruit and lime blossoms, with hints of sea spray and toasted almonds. The medium-bodied palate is wonderfully crisp and intense, with bags of citrus fruit and a satiny texture to counter all that vivacity.
93 Points
This Zinfandel is quintessential Napa style... bursting with flavor now, yet structured with a long life ahead. In a line-up of top Napa Zinfandel. Always a stand out!
90 Points, Gold Medal
Opens with plum, rose hip, blood orange, fresh peach and cherry in the nose, with undertones of laurel and dried orange peel. Flavors of juicy red fruit explode on the palate, and an uplifting freshness carries the mid-palate with a complex and dense tannin structure.
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