Fall is quickly becoming winter here in the Pacific Northwest. As the leaves have fallen and the celebratory season is amongst us, we share some of the jewels of the Northwest wine scene. Walter Scott. A premier producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Walter Scott began back in 2008 with the leap of faith that Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow made following the recession, forming Walter Scott Wines. Many years in the making, the name Walter Scott honors two important men in Ken’s life: Walter, Ken's grandfather, was a former flight engineer for Trans World Airlines and Scott, Ken's nephew who passed away young and reminded both Ken and Erica that life can be exceedingly short. Their first vintage was produced in 2009 at Patricia Green Cellars and in 2011, Walter Scott began making Chardonnay, which was met immediately with seriously good critical acclaim. The rest has been history.
I love the new wines by Walter Scott, including a killer new 2019 ‘X Saka Vineyard’ Aligote (OB, 93) which is densely packed and has really nice melon and smoky tones, with great length. Even better is the scintillating 2019 Walter Scott ‘Arlyn Vineyard’ Gamay Noir (OB, 94) which for my palate rivals any Gamay that you will find in North America. The range and texture is just stunning here. As I said the last time I visited the Walter Scott wines, these can be bought with sheer confidence. Learn more at https://www.walterscottwine.com and here are my notes on the brilliant fall release wines by Walter Scott.
2019 Walter Scott ‘X Saka Vineyard’ Aligote- The 2019 Aligote by Walter Scott shows compelling freshness with a very soft texture. Lemon rind and melon tones combine with minerals and shades of smoke on the palate. With wonderful length and viscosity, this bright Aligote will enjoy another eight to ten years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 93
2019 Walter Scott ‘Arlyn Vineyard’ Gamay Noir- The ‘Arlyn Vineyard’ is located in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, as this beautiful Gamay shows cinnamon and cove infused bright red fruits with shades of orange blossom also mingling on the nose. The freshness and sense of texture is just insanely good. Bright cran-raspberry, pomegranate seed and orange rind mingle with spicy and earthy tones on the palate. The combination of acidity and texture really makes you dig in, as this beautiful Gamay will cellar well for a decade or more. This is truly up there with the best in the state. Drink 2020-2033- 94
2019 Walter Scott ‘Cuvee Ruth’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Cuvee Ruth’ Pinot Noir is a barrel select wine sourced from the Seven Springs, Sojeau, Temperance Hill and X Novo Vineyards. Aged for ten months in 40% new French oak, this shows off lovely kirsch and damp earth tones with baking spices and cigar ash on this complex bouquet. The palate is soft and refined, with beautiful acidity and a great sense of mouthfeel. Rich red and dark fruits mingle with shades of kumquat zest, cinnamon and peat moss on the palate. Beautiful now in its youth, the 2018 ‘Cuvee Ruth’ will cellar well for another eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 92