It is hard to believe that Walla Walla Vintners was founded all the way back in 1995. Current proprietors, Scott and Nici Haladay, were first introduced to Walla Walla Vintners in 2017. Already familiar with the historic winery, they were excited to get the chance to be the new stewards of the iconic red barn and Cut Bank Estate vineyard. Scott comes from a technology background and Nici is a licensed nurse. The winery is undergoing a significant renovation and will have an entire new winery space. The building looks outstanding and I am excited to see the property when it is completed.
Winemaker Derrek Vipon is a is a native Washingtonian who started his career at Walla Walla Community College in the Enology and Viticulture program. After completing his education with a degree from Oregon State University in Fermentation Science, Derrek worked several harvests across the globe before eventually moving back to Walla Walla and joining Walla Walla Vintners in January 2019.
These wines are getting better and better. Don’t miss out on the 2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which is nuanced and fresh with lovely stony tones. Even better is the sensational 2020 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Alera’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is concentrated and complex — delicious to consume right now. Learn more about these great new releases at https://wallawallavintners.com Here are my reviews of the new wines by Walla Walla Vintners.
2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- Stored in a combustion of neural oak and stainless steel, the really good 2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc shows bright white grapefruit zest on the palate alongside copious minerals and stony undertones. Fleshy and ripe, enjoy this delicious Sauvignon Blanc now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 92
2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- Tart with bright acidity, the 2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc shows gooseberry and kiwi notes alongside copious minerals on the palate. Drink 2023-2028- 90
2021 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Woven Fields’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Woven Fields’ is a Merlot-dominant blend that is very soft and round on the mouth. Tobacco leaf, wild blackberry and rich chocolate covered black raspberry flavors all combine on the palate. Enjoy this great wine now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 91
2020 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from old plantings in the Sagemoor Vineyards, the 2020 ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon might not be the biggest wine you will find but it shows wonderful balance. Graphite, tar, anise and shades of boysenberry all come together beautifully on the palate. Drink 2023-2031- 92
2020 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Alera’ Red Wine- The 2020 ‘Alera’ combines 75% Merlot with the reminder Cabernet Sauvignon. Inky in the glass, this offers ripe red cherry and menthol notes on the palate with wet stone and shades of chocolate cake. Delicious to consume now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 93