For years I have admired a killer new Walla Walla project founded by former Microsoft executive, Mike Martin. In addition to his winery, Martin owns one of the best local restaurants, Passatempo Taverna. Over the years they have moved the winery and winery production to a great location near downtown Walla Walla. The place has great food and one of the top outdoor patios in the valley. Several years back Mike made a major purchase in acquiring the Rockgarden Vineyard from Nina Buty. A few years back he has hired superstar winemaker Todd Alexander as winemaking consultant.
Todd has long been crafting incredible wines for Force Majure, completely transforming that program. I love the new 2020 The Walls ‘Wonderful Nightmare’ which is very mineral-driven and shows good underlying flinty tones. I absolutely loved the 2019 The Walls ‘Mahana’ Syrah (OB, 95) which is deep and concentrated, showing a very pure Rocks Syrah profile. This wine has stunning range right now. Learn more about these outstanding new wines at https://www.thewallsvineyards.com Here are the great new releases from The Walls.
2020 The Walls ‘The Ramparts’ Red Wine- The 2020 The Walls ‘The Ramparts’ Red Wine blends 44% Grenache with 31% Mourvèdre and the remainder Counoise, all sourced from the Red Mountain AVA. Bacon fat and fresh red cherry flavors combine with shades of orange zest and copious minerals on the palate. Drink now. Drink 2022-2026- 91
2020 The Walls ‘Wonderful Nightmare’ Tempranillo- Coming from the Stoney Vine Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA, this reveals copious minerals that combine with flint, damp earth and wild blackberry flavors. The mouth-watering acidity adds to the enjoyment. Enjoy now. Drink 2022-2026- 91
2019 The Walls “Mahana’ Syrah- The gorgeous 2019 ‘Mahana’ is polished and lithe, showing plenty of finesse from this slightly cooler vintage. On the nose this takes on smoldering stones with red currants, cigar box and red cherry candy notes. The palate is very fresh and showing a brilliant underlying tension and stony essence that really carries this wine. This is stunning Syrah to savor now and over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 95
2020 The Walls ‘Mahana’ Syrah- The 2020 ‘Mahana’ Syrah comes from the River Rock Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. Smoked brisket, tar and huckleberry flavors combine with plenty of mouth-watering acidity on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2022-2026- 92