The Walala Vineyard’s remarkable character stems from its 1,200-foot elevation, gravelly loam soils and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Cool coastal temperatures allow for long hang time and balanced acidity, while the elevation gives the fruit ample sunlight in which to ripen. The 2019 vintage from Walala offers a pure expression of Pinot noir with elegance and complexity. Clone 113 provides the core of the blend, offering intriguing tropical flavors and layers of texture. Clone 115 provides a rich structural core and red fruit flavors. Clone 828 was fermented whole- cluster and blended in sparingly to add verve and length.
points
Wine Enthusiast
"Walala is a tremendously wild, coastal site at about 1,000 feet in elevation, well exposed to the sun and air from its ridge location. As such, it displays tropical character from the mix of warm and cool, a taste of black cherry, pineapple and lasting fruitiness complemented by undeniable freshness, focus and forest floor." - Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
points
International Wine Report
"A delicious bottle of Pinot Noir from the Walala Vineyard, this wine sees 50% new French oak treatment and shows aromas of macerated black raspberry, fresh black cherry, rose petals and a touch of butterscotch. On the palate, the black cherry flavors take center stage but there are unique aspects of strawberry fruit leather and sweet toasted baking spices that takes second stage. A wine with medium acid and medium tannins, this one is ready to drink now but will age for several years and become even better with time." - International Wine Report
points
Owen Bargreen
"Sourced from the ‘Walala Vineyard’ set just inland from the Pacific Ocean in the Sonoma Coast AVA this wine shows off a great dusting of salinity and racy acidity mid-palate. Ripe red fruits dance with minerals and the salty terroir on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy now, this has some good cellaring potential." - Owen Bargreen
Walala Vineyard
West Sonoma Coast
The Walala Vineyard is perched along a ridge 1,200 feet above sea level, just inland from the rugged Sonoma coastline. In its position above the dense fog line, the vineyard experiences the moderate temperatures that give grapes longer hang times for optimal flavor and ripeness.