93 Points - International Wine Report
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
2020 was a challenging year across the globe as we managed through a pandemic full of unknowns and mandated lockdowns. In the Sonoma Coast, the grape vines woke up early and demanded their normal attention anyway. Work in the vineyards proceeded with smaller crews that practiced social distancing and wore facial coverings. Summer wild fires impacted many vineyards and hard decisions were made not to pick several vineyard blocks. We kept our focus on producing only the highest quality wine and only picked grapes and made wines that met our standards and that we were proud of. As a result, we bottled only a small quantity of Pinot noir that showed exceptional vintage quality. The individual Walala Vineyard blocks were vinified and aged separately. Clone 828 was fermented wholecluster to add verve and complexity. The blended wine offers balance and depth, displaying exceptional structure and tropical nuances.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Vineyards: Walala Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 50% New French Oak
pH: 3.69
TA: 5.6 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered September 2021
Cases Produced: 475
Alcohol: 14.2%
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers top pick.
90 Points
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. Generously oaked, with crushed blackberry, baked plums, baking spices, and Turkish fig. A supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, prune, with anise and light spice on the finish.
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