For years I have admired one of the outstanding producers of Sonoma Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. WALT was named after Kathryn Hall's parents, Bob and Dolores Walt who were originally vintners and were a source of daily inspiration for her. Today WALT Wines sources from some Pacific Coast's most distinctive vineyards from Sonoma to Oregon. For those who love Pinot Noir, this is a rare chance to try an incredible range of wines that showcase these incredible vineyards. I love loved these wines since their inception.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to taste with WALT winemaker Alison Frichtl who has been with the company for fifteen years, starting as an enologist. She and vice president of winemaking Megan Gunderson have worked closely together for years. One site to continue to watch is big and bold Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their estate vineyard, Bob’s Ranch, which is located in the Petaluma Wind Gap near Sebastapol. I have been really impressed over the years with the quality of the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from this vineyard.
Do not miss out on the 2021 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is deep and concentrated, with serious underlying acidity and marvelous weight. This is a perfect wine for any lover of great Sonoma Chardonnay. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.waltwines.com Here are the beautiful new wines by WALT.
2021 WALT ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2021 WALT ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay (30% new French oak) comes together with ripe mango, banana, lemon cream. white peach and copious salty minerals on the palate. The long finish lingers marvelously on the tongue, as this beauty is best best enjoyed over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 93
2021 WALT ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- WALT has been working with this site for more than a decade, as they source from three parcels in the vineyard. Each lot is picked separately and then blended back together. This comes off very salty and savory with salted Marcona almond, toasted brioche bread, and roasted pineapple notes on the palate. Drink 2023-2035- 94
2021 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Chardonnay- This wine comes from a cooler site that sees a lot of fog during harvest. Stored in 35% new French oak, this offers serious weight and great underlying finesse. Cantaloupe and lemon curd flavors combine with shades of Japanese pear and nutty undertones. Gorgeous to consume now, this will only get better with age. Drink 2023-2035- 95
2021 WALT ‘La Brisa’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘La Brisa’ Pinot Noir is a gorgeous offering that blends a range of vineyards from the Sonoma Coast AVA. Very juicy with pomegranate seed, kumquat zest, freshly tiled salty soils and shades of red rose water, this is delicious, bright and concentrated Pinot Noir that is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2031- 93
2021 WALT ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This wine comes from this famed Willamette Valley site. Ripe red rose petals combine with peat moss, red currants and shades of bergamot on the nose. The palate is lithe and polished with a silky texture. Showing beautiful tart red fruits, this is outstanding Pinot Noir that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2023-2036- 94