I very fondly recall my first visit to Walla Walla Vintners. Back in 2007 I came on a rain-filled day to the cozy and very busy tasting room at Walla Walla Vintners. Despite the weather the place was packed full of a boisterous crowd tasting wines. Current owners Scott and Nici Haladay, were first introduced to Walla Walla Vintners in 2017. Already familiar with the historic winery, they are the new owners of this house and their Cut Bank Estate vineyard. Scott comes from a technology background and Nici is a licensed nurse. I visited the new space for their winery earlier in 2024 and it is a world-class facility. We even did a few blinds together during the visit!
Derrek Vipond 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. He trained under Gilles Nicault and his wines are very structurally sound, with a beginning, middle and end. He is doing an amazing job as head winemaker, as these wines keep on getting better and better. I love the 2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which is very fresh and shows a soft mouthfeel. Even better is the incredible 2021 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Alera’ Red Wine (OB, 94) which deftly captures the art of blending with plenty of poise and stuffing. Well-done to Derrek and his team! Learn more about these great new releases at https://wallawallavintners.com Here are my reviews of the new wines by Walla Walla Vintners.
2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc is a beautiful new wine that shows good texture. Gooseberry and rich melon combine copious minerals and wet stone on the palate. Drink 2024-2030- 92
2021 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Bello Rosso’ Red Wine- The 2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Bello Rosso’ is a Tuscan-inspired blend of 59% Sangiovese with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. Dusty tannins combine with tart red fruits, tar and tobacco leaf on the palate. Dense and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 93
2021 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Alera’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Alera’ was sourced from the Les Collines Vineyard and combines mainly Merlot (52%) with smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. This is soft and plush stuff with cocoa powder and rich dark fruits that mingle well with salty soils. Refined and generous, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 94
2021 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Old Vines’ comes from the Bacchus Vineyard with vines planted back in 1972. The wine is elegant nd savory Cabernet Sauvignon with fresh sage and thyme alongside layers of generous black fruits, tobacco leaf and coffee grounds. Fresh and lively, enjoy now and over the next twelve years. Drink 2024-2036- 94