Went to Walla Walla two weeks ago for Cayuse Weekend. Cayuse Weekend is called that because Cayuse decided to do their annual tasting one week earlier than the traditional Spring Release Weekend everybody else observes, and now many wineries also not generally open to the public open for a day on Cayuse weekend too. We took our Sprinter Campervan and ended up spending just one day wine tasting instead of three due to Mercedes issues experienced en route. Grrrrrr. Of the few wineries we did manage to visit, the standouts were Reynvaan (you knew I'd say that) and The Walls. Here's what we tasted at the latter:
2016 The Walls Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Curiositas Red Mountain
Winery pour. A balls-out, concentrated modern cabernet that's somehow as elegant as it is powerful. Other vintages have been very good but this '16 is exceptional. I definitely bought some.
2016 The Walls Vineyards Grenache Concrete Mama Walla Walla Valley
Crunchy pomegranate and raspberry fruit with a touch of bay leaf. Surprisingly dialed back (seemingly less extracted) for a Walls wine but therein lies the appeal.
2016 The Walls Vineyards The Ramparts Red Mountain
A GSM with 6% counoise and 6% viognier. New oak for 15 months then concrete for three. Complex, vivid Rhone flavors, elegant mouthfeel (like all Walls wines, really). Bought a few, can't wait to see it evolve.
2016 The Walls Vineyards Chardonnay La Lutte White Salmon Columbia Gorge
Very pale. A spring season kind of chardonnay, a beautifully finessed bouquet of white flowers and white fruit with the Columbia Gorge appellation's trademark minerality. Very cool climate presentation, piercing yet elegant. Easily my favorite among The Walls chardonnays and best chardonnay of Cayuse weekend!
2016 The Walls Vineyards Syrah Gaspard Red Mountain
100% Red Mountain syrah, no co-ferment. Seductive nose of light smoke and violets, very rich black currant and black cherry on the palate with a touch of sasparilla. Excellent.
2016 The Walls Vineyards Grenache Blanc Lip Stinger French Creek Vineyard Yakima Valley
Vivid blend of pear and white nectarine fruit with above average acidity (expecially for a grape that in WA often lacks as much as I'd prefer). Very refined.