Today we share a famed winery founded by vigneron Christophe Baron and Cayuse GM Trevor Dorland. No Girls features the stony, novel terroir found at the ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’. The ‘La Paciencia (patience) Vineyard' was planted between 2003 and 2005, and is located near the Armada vineyard, as the first couple of vintages of wine from this vineyard were initially declassified. The name ‘No Girls’ is connected with the history of Walla Walla. Christophe purchased a building in 2002 that was a former brothel and inside the new building, he noticed the words ‘No Girls’ painted on the wall— and the wine label is an actual photograph of the former brothel. Their first vintage was in 2008 and No Girls has been a remarkable success since then. I have particularly been mesmerized by the Grenache from this site that is full-octane and beautifully textured, with serious stony essence.
Winemaking from this site captures very stony character with terrific finesse. The Grenache from this location is easily one of the best you will find in North America. These are only available to their wine list and are around 100 dollars, but are very well-priced when you consider the complexity of these brilliant wines. The 2023 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache (OB, 98) is one of the best editions of this wine that I have tasted. It comes of ultra-pure and complex with unforgettable flavor range. Learn more about this special boutique winery at https://nogirlswine.com/nogirls/
2023 No Girls ‘Double Lucky No. 8’ Red Wine- A stunning wine from this rather straightforward vintage, the 2023 ’Double Lucky No. 8’ Red Wine is a blend of declassified fruit from several cobblestone-laden vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. Umami and dark fig notes collide with boysenberry compote and coppa salume on the nose. The palate is smooth and viscous with loads of underlying finesse, as bright red fruits parade with Mandarin orange zest flavors, and smoldering stone accents. Totally delicious, enjoy this medium to full-bodied beauty now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 95
2023 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2023 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache comes from this tightly spaced vineyard set on cobblestones. It immediately entices on the nose with potpourri and black truffle shavings alongside suggestions of charcuterie, Nori and saline drenched blood orange zest on the nose. The palate is ultra-pure and decadent, as this glides throughout the drinking experience and shows a sensational core of red fruits. Mineral-laden, fat on the tongue and generous, this has an alluring push/pull between weight and verve. A stunning, one of a kind wine, savor this beauty over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 98
2023 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah- The alluring and wonderfully stony 2023 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah shows unbelievably good flavor and aromatic range in its heady youth. Cloves and wet rock combine with oyster sauce and suggestions of beef drippings on the nose. The palate is fresh and lively with terrific tension and richness. Very non-fruit driven and complex, offering wintergreen, and fresh sage nuances, enjoy this stunning wine now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 97
2023 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo- The world-class 2023 ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo is a one of a kind bottling that comes from this stony location outside the town of Milton-Freewater. Once on the nose this takes on Hoisin sauce and Chinese five spice that combines with roasted dates and blackberry compote notes that all meld in the glass. The palate is big and bold with reined tannins and a terrific mouthfeel and underlying finesse. Light on its feet, and also very generous, enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next eight to ten years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 96