It is my pleasure to introduce one of the oldest wineries in the Walla Walla Valley. Proprietors Scott and Nici Haladay have really been investing time and energy into their winery. A few years ago they hired Derrek Vipont from Long Shadows 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 makes some beautiful wines for Walla Walla Vintners.
I adored the new 2024 ‘Woven Fields’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which impresses for the price. Learn more about these great new releases at https://wallawallavintners.com Here are my reviews of the new wines by Walla Walla Vintners.
2024 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Woven Fields’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Woven Fields’ is primarily cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller portions Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This is well-balanced and poised stuff with a chewy mouthfeel and terrific core of dark fruits, pipe tobacco and chocolate. Drink 2026-2033- 92
2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Bello Rosso’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Bello Rosso’ combines equal parts Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Seven Hills Vineyard. This shows good astringency with velvety tannins that line the core of pipe tobacco, wintergreen, dark chocolate shavings and fresh sage. With more air Arabica bean and graphite notes emerge, as this is best enjoyed over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 93
2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Alera’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Alera’ combines mostly Merlot (77%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon from the Cut Bank Vineyard. This comes off silky and refined with a sinfully good texture. Milk chocolate and sweet pipe tobacco combine wth shades of fresh herbs and scorched earthy notes. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94
2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Cut Bank Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- An outstanding bottling, the 2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Cut Bank Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from this higher elevation spot up Mill Creek in the Walla Walla Valley. Pencil lead and anise combine with shades of creme de cassis and dark florals on the nose. The palate is juicy and delicious with a refined mouthfeel and loads of texture alongside stony minerals. Drink 2026-2041- 94
2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon stands inky in the glass. Black tea and exotic spices parade with sandalwood tones and dark currants on the nose. The palate is refined and silky throughout the drinking experience, as this is exceptionally seamless, yet maintains amazing power and poise. Drink 2026-2044- 95