2021 Walala Vineyard

94 Points: Meridith May The Tasting Panel - December 2023

“Striking notes of sea-salted rose petals in aspic. Spiced mulberry has a fragrant holiday charm, with cherrywood gently tripping on the tongue. The vineyard, 1200 feet in elevation, is centered above the Pacific coastline.”

91 Points: Jim Gordon Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide - April 2024

“This sturdy, straight¬forward wine gets the job done with good red and black cherry flavors, a tangy texture and moderate tannins for pairing with richer dishes. Its pleasures are subtle and its balance is perfect.”

The 2021 vintage delivered a moderate and consistent growing season for most of Sonoma County, leading to a smooth, easily manageable harvest. While the continuation of drought conditions led to slightly reduced yields, the overall quality and concentration of the grapes were exceptional. The grapes from Walala were harvested by hand in the cool evening hours of September 8th, 2021.

Walala Vineyard is located in the far northwestern reaches of Sonoma County in the new West Sonoma Coast AVA. It is a majestic site located at the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean, near the town of Annapolis where cool maritime breezes provide optimal growing conditions for Pinot Noir. At 1200 feet of elevation, it is positioned above the fog line with bountiful sunshine to ripen the grapes even given the extremely cool temperatures. We selected grapes from two different blocks of Walala planted to two different clones: 115 and 828. The soils are rocky and well-drained, which accentuates the intensity and rustic nature of the aromas and flavors.

• composition:

  100% Pinot Noir

• alcohol: 14.40%
• cases made:

  429 Cases

• bottling date: 07/28/2022
• aging:

  Aged 10 months in French oak, 35% new, 35% one-year-old

• fermentation:

  Gently destemmed into open-top fermenters; three-day cold soak; cap management included pump-overs & punch-downs