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%
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Polished and elegantly layered Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah offers red plum and black cherry, with hints of cigar box, forest floor, bay, baking spices, light pepper and vanilla on the nose. Expressive black raspberry, sassafras and smoky pepper flavors that linger with salted dark chocolate, red plum, cherry with notes of pepper on the palate.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This big juicy wine opens up with aromas of dark berry, black plum, dried violet and maple that leap from a glass, layered with dried herbs, tar, and smoke that follow. Blackberry and blueberry compote rule the palate, while leather, grilled herbs, dark chocolate and scorched earth lead to a long, satisfying finish. Delicious!
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Dark fruit aromas of black raspberry, blackberry and black cherry steer the aromatics backed by baking spices, anise and lavender. A touch of Syrah to add tannin and depth. On the palate, black cherry and blackberry preserve shine through rounded out by herbs de Provence, dark chocolate and vanilla. A gorgeous expressive wine!
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