The Walls
As part of Washington Wine Month we continue our coverage of exciting Washington wineries. Last July I had the chance to first run through new releases from this awesome new winery out of Walls Walla, The Walls has also impressed with their second run of new release wines. The winery was founded by Mike Martin and Ali Mayfield (head winemaker), and they have recently purchased a 20 acre parcel in the Walla Walla Rocks region as they will start planting vines in 2017. The Walls sources from a host of great vineyards across Washington
Highly talented head winemaker Ali Mayfield has impressed again with her new releases for 2017. Originally from Indiana. Ali studied at Indiana University and began making wine at home while working for UPS. She eventually caught the winemaking bug full time. Look for her 2014 The Walls ‘Lip Stinger’ Grenache Blanc (WWB, 91) which is one of the best of its kind that I have sampled in the past year. The wine has marvelous texture and range. Also impressive was the 2014 The Walls ‘The Ramparts’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which is a Grenache dominant blend that displays lovely red fruit flavors as well as rocky characteristics. Learn more about The Walls and look for these wines online at https://www.thewallsvineyards.com/ Here are the great new release wines from The Walls.
Awesome new lineup of wines by The Walls
2014 The Walls 'Lip Stinger' Grenache Blanc- This excellent wine begins with aromatics of beeswax, lemongrass, unripe nectarine and suggestions of white flowers. There are ripe flavors of Gravenstein apple, cut grass, kiwi, cantaloupe and wet stone that sit alongside lively minerality. The mid-palate weight is lovely as the creamy finish lingers. Drink 2017-2022- 91
2014 The Walls 'The Ramparts' Red Wine- This excellent wine has aromatics of spicy oak, rose petals, red cherry, red raspberry and black plum. There are rich flavors of red cherry, lavender, wet rock, blood orange rind and black raspberry liqueur. This shows wonderful range and purity of fruit from the Grenache in particuar. Drink 2017-2027- 92
2014 The Walls 'Gaspard' Syrah- This inky colored Syrah wine had aromatics of white pepper, smoked pork shoulder, black cherry and milk chocolate. This leads to rich flavors of milk chocolate, blackberry preserves, black cherry, loganberry liquor, smoked brisket and anise. Light tannins finish this lovely Syrah. Drink 2017-2026- 91
2014 The Walls 'Cheys' Syrah- This deep hued wine begins with aromatics of black cherry, anise, smoked pork shoulder and hints of baking spices. There are rich flavors of black plum, black cherry, anise, baking spices and blueberry pie. Forward and packing a punch, this can withstand some medium cellaring in the next decade. Drink 2017-2025- 91