WALT Accolades

92 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

There's loamy richness to the dark plum and cherry tart flavors that are vibrant and savory. Pastry accents midpalate lead to notes of cooking spices on the plush finish. Drink now through 2025.

93 POINTS

Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

Good depth of flavor and great structure make this wine appealing and complete. Smoky aromas of clove, cedar and black pepper lead to concentrated and rich black-cherry and red-cherry flavors on a moderately tannic texture. Best through 2025.

93 POINTS

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Ripe and seemingly languid, but has an underlying succulence to the mix of dark cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, while sleek anise, black tea and warm earth accents course through the finish. Reveals a late flicker of pine forest, too. Drink now through 2029.

93 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

WALT has 80 acres in the Anderson Valley that they source from. Once on the nose this takes on wet gravel and Bing cherry notes alongside shades of cinnamon and cloves. Very approachable on the mouth, this delivers a seamless texture and is loaded with bright red and dark fruits with loamy soils. Drink 2022-2030.

93 POINTS

Tonya Pitts, Wine Enthusiast

This wine is rich with aromas of baked cherry, cinnamon and potpourri on the nose. The midpalate has flavors of brambled strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, pink peppercorn and molasses interlaced with dried herbs, juicy red plum and a dry finish. Pair with grilled prawns.

91 POINTS

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Soft and broad in feel, with friendly flavors of mulled cherry and raspberry fruit that glide through, backed by a curl of red tea on the finish. Drink now through 2028. 4,370 cases made.

93 POINTS

Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate

Deep ruby-purple, the 2017 Pinot Noir Bob's Ranch has a concentrated black fruit core with blue fruit preserves, nutmeg, perfumed earth and a meaty hint. Medium-bodied, silky and super-concentrated, it has soft, grainy tannins and good freshness to lift the dense finish. 2,450 cases produced.

93 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

This taut style shows a tensile, savory essence. Cast iron notes emerge midpalate, with hints of brushed metal. Dark currant and spice flavors extend on the powerful finish. Drink now through 2023.

90 POINTS

Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

This wine is thick and toasty in oak, black tea and dried herb, with lasting hints of forest floor. Concentrated and jammy in style, the fruit is a dense mix of blackberry and cherry, rich and opulent for days.

91 POINTS

Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

This wine is ultimately elegant despite its considerable power—a force of richness and tannin that hits the palate with impact. Barnyard-like earth, forest and black tea give it an undercurrent of savory intrigue, as high-toned flecks of freshness keep it brightly in check.

93 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Pinot Noir Bob's Ranch comes from a site not far from the Petaluma Gap and more shallow soils. It sports a ruby/plum color as well as spicy notes of black cherries, orange blossom, and violets. Nicely textured and medium-bodied, it's another impressive, impeccably made Pinot Noir from this estate well worth seeking out.

94 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

Rich and well-spiced, with concentrated cardamom notes to the ripe dark cherry and plum tart flavors that are long and plush. Plenty of pastry accents midpalate lead to caressing tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2026.

95 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Wine Critic

The stunning 2021 WALT 'Bob's Ranch' Pinot Noir is a masterclass by this winemaking team. This Sonoma Coast AVA property has a wide range of Pinot Noir selections and is in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Stored in roughly 30% new French oak, this shows off dense blackberry and black cherry notes on the nose with shades of cola. Very seamless on the mouth, this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. The salty and savory aspects, as well as the length, all add to the enjoyment. Drink 2022-2038.

93 POINTS

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

This is packed with dark cherry, plum, and blackberry compote notes that have good tension and energy, thanks to nicely embedded racy acidity. Reveals a gloss of toast, anise and licorice on the finish, but this is light-handed and lets the fruit play out nicely. Drink now through 2029.

97 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Wine Critic

The 2022 'Bob's Ranch' comes from this vineyard located in the Petaluma Gap, located just south of Sebastopol. An 88 acre site, mostly planted to Pinot Noir, this wine is a barrel selection from the best blocks in the vineyard. Bob's Ranch Pinot Noir was first made with the 2014 vintage. The palate comes off super seamless and concentrated with serious flavor density, power and brilliant underlying finesse. A massive core of dark fruits greet you with freshly tilled soils, with underlying citrus zest accents. Super complex and delicious, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2039.

93 POINTS

Tom Capo, Wine Enthusiast

The nose of this darkly tinted Pinot Noir is awash with blackberry compote, white pepper and orange zest. On the palate, there's a sultry umami flavor of dried mushroom that is quite heady, with fresh Bing cherry and a wave of blooming geranium that lead to a minute-long finish loaded with juicy acidity.

92 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Pinot Noir WALT Brown Ranch comes from Carneros and is an outstanding effort, giving up lots of darker cherry and redcurrant fruits as well as some spicy, foresty, earthy nuances, medium body, terrific balance, and enough ripe tannins to keep it drinking nicely for a decade.

91 POINTS

Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

Review coming soon.

91 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic

This estate always makes a solid wine. The 2017 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard comes from a great vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and offers a ripe, powerful style as well as notes of blackberries, cassis, toasted spice, dried flowers, and subtle background oak. Ripe and medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannins, it's a big mouthful of Sta. Rita Hills fruit that stays balanced and light on its feet.

94 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report

The Clos Pepe Vineyard is a small site located near the town of Lompoc, as this highly windy terrain is largely planted to Pinot Noir. The bouquet is simply gorgeous with deep dark and red fruits that mingle with shades of cinnamon, clove and blood orange zest that all build on the nose. The wonderful salinity of the wine is incredible, accompanying deep dark and red fruits that mingle with underbrush and citrus rind accents. This is sensational stuff. Drink 2019-2032.

93 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

Another Sta. Hills release, the 2019 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard saw 10% stems and 10 months in 40% new French oak. It's a little more focused and firm, with classic ripe black raspberry, red plum, and cherry fruits as well as orange blossom, spice, and floral nuances. It too is medium-bodied, textured, and beautifully balanced.

94 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Powerful aromas of black cherry, tobacco, clove, chocolate and oak are heavy but pleasing on this bold style of Pinot Noir. The lush, delicious and potent palate delivers more of the same, with black-cherry and tobacco flavors sprinkled with crushed nutmeg and vanilla.

93 POINTS

Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Vivid ruby. Highly perfumed scents of raspberry, cherry cola, candied flowers and smoky oak spices. Pliant, expansive red and dark berry preserve, rose pastille and mocha flavors become more energetic with air and show excellent detail. Impressively deep yet lively as well, finishing long and smooth, with harmonious tannins and lingering spice and floral character.

91 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2020 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard showed well, with some darker cherry and plum fruits, notes of dried herbs and spice, medium-bodied richness, and a nicely balanced, lengthy style on the palate.

93 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

Big and rich, with luscious spiciness to the plush dark fruit and berry flavors that are supported by medium-grained tannins. There's plenty of creamy and toasty accents on the open-textured finish. Drink now through 2026. 1,639 cases made.

94 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

Steven and Kathy Pepe were pioneers in this region back in the 1980s. WALT has a long-term lease on this 25 acre property which is now 25 years in age. The nose is highly perfumed with red rose petal alongside kumquat rind, cigar box and beautifully pure red fruits. The palate is very salty and savory with red currants, tobacco leaf, wet and diatomaceous earth. Deep and concentrated, this is fantastic now and will bring drinking pleasure over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037.

92 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

Fermented with 15% stems and aged 10 months in 45% new French oak, the 2021 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard reveals a translucent darker ruby hue as well as a terrific array of black raspberries, darker cherries, black tea, and baking spices. This medium-bodied, lively, balanced, elegant Pinot Noir delivers ripe, integrated tannins and outstanding length.

95 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

This is a crowd-pleasing style of Pinot Noir, starting with juicy aromas of black raspberry, boysenberry, rose petal, lilac and toasty oak, equally fresh and rich. It's hedonistically satisfying on the palate, with strawberry, oak and latte flavors that persist long into the finish.

96 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Wine Critic

This outstanding Pinot Noir comes from a historic site in the Santa Rita Hills which is in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Clos Pepe is an estate vineyard which is leased by Stephen and Kathy Pepe who founded their site back in the 1990s. The wine comes off rich and layered with loads of mouth-watering acidity and freshness. A massive core of juicy red and dark fruits combine with blood orange zest mingle with salty soils. This is totally stunning. Drink 2023-2038.

92 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe is medium ruby-hued and has an expressive nose of ripe black raspberries, leafy herbs, and ample, peppery, spicy nuances. It's balanced, medium-bodied, has a pure, elegant mouthfeel, and ripe tannins.

93 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Roasted boysenberry aromas meet with smoked meat and toasty oak spices on the nose of this bottling. Grilled cherry flavors on the palate are cut by sharper lemon and grapefruit peel touches that enliven the red fruit palate.

93 POINTS

Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate

Medium ruby-purple, the 2017 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard has a wonderful, layered nose with cinnamon stick and nutmeg, vibrant warm cranberries, blueberries and black fruits with hints of cola, charcuterie and perfumed earth. Medium-bodied and silky in the mouth with intense, concentrated fruits, it offers spice and earth nuances with soft tannins, juicy acidity and a long finish. 572 cases produced.

90 POINTS

Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

Fresh in cherry and pomegranate, this is a full-bodied, robustly ripe and tannic wine, that is also oaky and powerful. Bold fistfuls of Asian spice give it complexity and balance.

90 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2020 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown is aromatic of warming spice, wooded earth, and kirsch. The palate is tangy with red plum, incense, and cola. Drink over the next several years.

92 POINTS

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

This has nice juicy freshness, with a core of extroverted raspberry and red cherry fruit staying light on its feet, as subtle wood spice and red licorice hints peek through on the finish. A crowd-pleaser. Drink now through 2027. 690 cases made.

93 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

Rich and full of dense, concentrated dark plum, black currant, olive and dried savory herb flavors, featuring pencil shaving and cast iron notes. The pure-tasting finish is filled with baker's chocolate accents. Drink now through 2025.

92+ POINTS

Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate

The 2017 Pinot Noir La Brisa is medium to deep ruby-purple with a lovely nose of rose petal, tangerine peel and potpourri with spicy black and blue fruits at the core. Medium-bodied with a lovely silky texture, it offers intense, concentrated spicy fruit with soft framing tannins and juicy acidity on the finish. 5,430 cases produced.

92 POINTS

Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

Juicy, lush and posh in style, this substantial red is well-integrated in firm tannin and toasted oak, succulently rich and rewarding in red berry and cherry. Dried herb, forest and a thread of underlying acidity keep it interesting.

91 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

Firm and finely textured, with savory richness to the dried berry and cherry flavors, supported by crisp tannins and acidity. The toasty finish lingers, revealing cooking spice accents. Drink now through 2024.

93 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Pinot Noir La Brisa hails from the Sonoma Coast and has a rich, ripe, sexy style that still shows elegance and purity as well as complexity. Lots of black raspberry and mulberry fruit emerge from this medium to full-bodied effort, which has plenty of bouquet garni and spice-laced aromatics, ripe, soft tannins, and a great finish.

92 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

A woodsy aroma leads to well-spiced flavors of chocolate brioche and dark plum tart, ending with concentrated toastiness on the long, juicy finish. Drink now through 2025. 4,350 cases made.

95 POINTS

Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

An arresting fruit quality and complex layering of flavors lend great interest to this appealing, well-balanced wine. Rhubarb, sour cherry and orange pekoe tea aromas lead to vivid black cherries and warm, subtle spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

93 POINTS

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

This is dripping with fruit, as raspberry, mulberry and plum compote notes roll through, along with sweet spice and red licorice accents. Reveals just enough brambly energy underneath to keep things honest. Drink now through 2030.

93 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

The 2021 'La Brisa' Pinot Noir is a gorgeous offering that blends a range of vineyards from the Sonoma Coast AVA. Very juicy with pomegranate seed, kumquat zest, freshly tiled salty soils and shades of red rose water, this is delicious, bright and concentrated Pinot Noir that is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2031.

93 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Wine Critic

This 2022 Sonoma County based 'La Brisa' Pinot Noir comes mostly from the Bob's Ranch Vineyard which is heavily influenced by ocean breezes. The site is now planted to 62 acres of Pinot Noir. The wine is smooth with a seamless mouthfeel and beautiful salty character with pretty red rose water and bright, saline drenched red fruits on the palate. Drink 2023-2033.

93 POINTS

Tom Capo, Wine Enthusiast

Redolent of cinnamon, Bing cherry and sarsaparilla on the nose, this Pinot gains depth, purity and focus as it hits the palate. Flavors of dried raspberries, fried shiitake mushrooms, fresh mint and pithy tangerine peel along a seamless and vibrant finish.

94 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

Ruby/plum-hued and semi-opaque, the 2019 Pinot Noir Rita's Crown has a terrific, medium to full-bodied, balanced, elegant style that carries lots of black raspberry and mulberry-like fruits as well as spicy oak, candied violets, and spice-driven aromas and flavors.

92 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

Plush and lusciously spiced, with unctuous cherry tart and plum pastry flavors that are loaded with toasty accents. Ends with a long, cream-filled finish. Drink now through 2024. 920 cases made.

92 POINTS

Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Full ruby. Expansive red and blue fruit, mocha and vanilla aromas are enlivened by a spicy nuance and a touch of smoky minerality. Broad and velvety in the mouth, offering appealingly sweet, oak-spiced black raspberry and cherry cola flavors that slowly tighten up on the back half. Finishes with gentle tannic grip, repeating blue fruit and vanilla character and strong persistence.

93 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report

The Rita's Crown Vineyard was sold three years ago from William Hill to Sea Smoke and is located adjacent to the Mount Carmel Vineyard. The brightness and salinity on the nose entices as the wine engages with black and red fruits that mingle with spice box undertones. The palate shows good freshness and a wonderfully soft texture. Black tea, exotic spices, blackberry and shades of cran-pomegranate combine with the diatomaceous earth undertones. Drink 2019-2029.

94 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

More framboise, chalky mineral, and floral notes define the 2022 Pinot Noir Rita's Crown, a pretty, perfumed, elegant 2022 that has a terrific sense of purity and precision, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's easily my favorite in the lineup and is a beautiful 2022 to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years.

93 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Dark pomegranate aromas are layered in earth, herb and crushed rock on the nose of this bottling. The palate picks up red plum, wild thyme and tons of chaparral spice, with touches of toasted oak coming through toward the finish.

91 POINTS

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Plump and juicy, with a solid core of mulberry, black cherry and plum reduction notes wrapped in licorice and singed apple wood accents. A touch reliant on its toast through the finish, but there's plenty to like. Drink now through 2030. 600 cases made.

94 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

Slightly lighter colored compared to the 2016, the 2017 Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard is more floral and finesse-driven, with perfumed notes of strawberries, flowers, and spice. Vibrant, seamless, and elegant are the buzzwords here, and it's another beautiful wine from one of the top terroirs in the region.

93 POINTS

Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Bright ruby. A complex, intensely perfumed bouquet evokes spice-tinged dark berry liqueur and floral pastilles, accompanied by deeper cola and licorice accents and a hint of smoky minerals. Deep-pitched and seamless on the palate but energetic as well, finishing very long and sweet, with smooth, mounting tannins and resonating florality.

97 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Deeply aromatic aromas of blackberry and black currant meet with unending layers of violet, lavender, rose petals, loamy soil and piles of herbs on the dynamic nose of this single-vineyard expression. The palate expertly balances ripe pomegranate and cranberry flavors with zesty acid and precise tannins, bolstered by thyme, oregano and light pepper spices.

94 POINTS

Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Limpid magenta. Expansive aromas of fresh red and blue fruits, incense and baking spices are complemented by smoky mineral and floral overtones. Juicy and precise on the palate, offering appealingly sweet raspberry, cherry, boysenberry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen slowly with air.

92 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

Creamy and open-textured, with concentrated, well-knit flavors of raspberry, chocolate and strawberry. The plush finish offers spice and toast accents. Drink now through 2024.

95 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Intense aromas of dark raspberry, black cherry, vanilla, allspice, clove and smoke swirl into a very heady nose on this bottling. The palate is hearty as expected, with dark red fruit, layers of floral elements and a cardamom spice. A big, impressive wine.

94 POINTS

Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Limpid violet color. Spice-accented cherry, raspberry, and potpourri scents are complemented by suggestions of savory herbs and smoky minerals. Shows superb depth as well as energy to its Chambord, cherry-cola, candied rose and allspice flavors. Polished tannins frame the persistent finish.

95 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Dense and meaty aromas of blackberry and dark rose petals are intensely rich but beautiful on the nose of this bottling. The palate is thick and creamy yet has plenty of chalky tannins to hold the blackberry jam, violet, black pepper and cardamom-pod flavors in delicious check.

94 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent

Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2021 Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir skips out with vibrant notes of cranberries, black raspberries, and fresh strawberries leading to hints of rose oil, cinnamon toast, and camphor. The medium to full-bodied palate is lively and soft, with energetic red berry flavors and a long savory finish.

92 POINTS

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Ripe and juicy, but nicely compact, with a light bramble frame around a core of fresh raspberry and mulberry pâte de fruit. Reveals sleek licorice and apple wood notes on the finish. Drink now through 2027. 658 cases made.

93 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent

Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2022 Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir spills from the glass with fragrant notes of lavender and cloves giving way to a core of red and black plums, kirsch, and a touch of wild sage. The medium-bodied palate is elegant and refreshing, with perfumed black and red berry layers and a spicy kick to the soft-textured finish.

91 POINTS

Billy Norris, Vinous

The 2022 Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard is high-toned, bright and floral in the glass, enticing with its sweet rose, black tea, lavender and pure strawberry fruit aromas. Translucent and precise, the Rosella's is almost exceedingly clean. Long, cold fermentation of almost a month yielded a lovely, polished mouthfeel. Persistent through the close, the 2022 exudes class.

94 POINTS

Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard features sleek, bright red fruit, an ethereal expression of elegance from a site known for both power and prettiness. There's certainly full-bodied intensity and concentration here, cradled in supple tannins and well-integrated oak, coming all together in a cohesive, velvety whole. Savory forest, sage, and dried herb lurk in the background, complementing the force of the fruit. Enjoy now through 2030.

97 POINTS

Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck

From a compressed vintage known for its coolness and long hangtime, the 2023 Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard is an exemplary wine, so floral and pretty in hibiscus and sage. The texture is layered and gravelly, reflecting the rocky terrain of the site, so generously expressive in its youth, with freshness and ripeness in balance. This is an incredible wine that will do well in the cellar another 10-12 years.

96 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Dense and yet spicy and sprightly aromas of liquified black cherry and red flowers entice the nose deeply into this bottling. The palate is immediately impressive, offering lovely Bing cherry, red rose petal, mint and violet flavors.

95 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

The Rosella's Vineyard is owned by the Franchioni family and set in the Salinas Valley. This family began growing grapes back in the 1980s. Stored in roughly 30% new French oak, the nose comes off very salty with boysenberry fruits that meld well with dried herbs, wet stone and shades of orange peel. The palate is deep and concentrated with serious underlying verve and an exceedingly long finish. Drink 2023-2035.

92 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

Apple and pear pastry flavors are creamy and well-knit in this open-textured style that is seductively spiced. Light buttery notes fill the finish, which features hints of dried tarragon. Drink now through 2024.

91 POINTS

Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

Matchstick and flinty aromas rise from the glass of this rounded, rich and highly appealing wine. Melon, vanilla bean, hazelnut and a light spice of nutmeg characterize the flavors that highlight a medium-bodied frame of tense structure and grace.

92 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

Shows impressive concentration to the pear tart, apple pastry and crushed stone flavors, supported by crunchy acidity. Egg cream and honeyed notes show on the long finish, with dill accents. Drink now through 2024.

94 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

WALT has been working with this site for more than a decade, as they source from three parcels in the vineyard. Each lot is picked separately and then blended back together. This comes off very salty and savory with salted Marcona almond, toasted brioche bread, and roasted pineapple notes on the palate. Drink 2023-2035.

92 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard showed beautifully, with a rich, nutty, yet still pure and elegant character. Coming from a single vineyard on the Sonoma Coast, it has classic lemon and melon-laced fruits, good minerality, integrated oak, and outstanding length.

91 POINTS

Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate

The 2019 Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard has gregarious aromas of baked apples, pie spices, toast and beeswax with nutty tones. The medium-bodied palate is fresh and gently leesy, with ripe fruits and a long, spicy finish. 800 cases produced.

93 POINTS

Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

Well-structured and quite oaky, this assertive wine is loaded with ripe fruits, toast and apple-pie spices on a velvety texture that has a bit of tannic grip. Impressive now, but it should drink best from 2025.

93 POINTS

MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator

Expressive and complex, with pear, Meyer lemon, orange blossoms and candied ginger, plus hints of buttery pastry and baking spices. Reveals traces of minerality that linger on the finish, along with details of roasted, salted almond and marzipan. Drink now through 2029.

94 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

This brilliant 2022 Chardonnay comes from the Sangiacomo Vineyard which utilizes Old Wente Clonal selection. This is very dense and concentrated stuff with lemon curd and cantaloupe flavors that mingle well with baking spice dusted pie crust and shades of salted nectarine. Full-bodied with serious stuffing, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2024-2034.

91 POINTS

Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

A pale gold in the glass, this wine delivers aromas of fresh apple, spiced pear, brûléed banana and orange blossom on the nose. The palate has a plush texture and flavors of caramel, roasted banana and sandalwood. Drink with crab cakes.

91 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

This offers a refined and minerally caste to the juicy raspberry, cherry and currant flavors, supported by fresh acidity. The finish is filled with sandalwood notes. Drink now through 2024.

92 POINTS

Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

Bright, spicy new-oak aromas and flavors light up this full-bodied wine, and it delivers good, ripe cherry and black-plum flavors to balance out the oak. With a little time in the bottle the unique character of the Savoy vineyard should emerge. Best after 2022.

93 POINTS

James Laube, Wine Enthusiast

Weaves together a complex array of ripe smoky plum and wild berry notes that is texturally alluring and refined, gaining depth and length

93 POINTS

Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

This is a sophisticated blend of Pinot Noir grape flavors complemented by oak spice and a smooth, luxurious texture. Though full-bodied, the wine seems to glide effortlessly from cinnamon and cherry aromas through clove, cardamom and cassis flavors to an extended, hauntingly delicious finish. Best after 2018.

92 POINTS

James Laube, Wine Spectator

Features a solid core of rich, smoky dark berry, raspberry, mocha, wild berry and fresh cut flowers. This well-focused, long, deep and persistent on the finish.

94 POINTS

Greg Walter, The Pinot Report

Deep, complex cherry aromas with herbal and oak notes; complex, rich earthy cherry flavors with oak and herbal notes; silky texture; good structure and balance; long finish. Complex, silky Pinot with great layered flavors.

94 POINTS

Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast

This California-based brand sources Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from a number of prestigious West Coast growers. The Shea Vineyard designate is their sole Oregon project. It's a powerful wine, bursting with black cherry fruit, accented with cola, graphite and sweet spices. There's a whiff of sea salt as well, and such details keep flowing even as the wine winds down.

92 POINTS

Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

Alluring and elegantly structured, with vibrant cherry, rose petal and orange tea accents that gather richness on the way to sleek tannins. Drink now through 2027.

91 POINTS

Sean Sullivan, Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of the freshly ground espresso bean, char and dark cherry lead to a full-flavored palate that mixes fruit and barrel, with the latter often getting out front at present. Given the pedigree, expect some time will integrate it all. The stuffing is there on the fruit.

93 POINTS

Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

Supple and multilayered, with expressive rose petal, raspberry and dusky spice flavors that build richness on the lush finish. Drink now through 2027. 485 cases made.

94 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

WALT has been sourcing from this outstanding Oregon Vineyard for many years now and this cool vintage effort is really singing even at the two year mark. The pretty red florals brilliantly combine with fresh red fruits aromatically. Generous and soft with a rich mouthfeel, the Pinot Noir delivers peat moss flavors alongside ripe red cherry and tobacco leaf with good finesse and a long finish. Drink 2021-2031.

92 POINTS

Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

A handsome red that's polished and structured, this offers layered raspberry and rhubarb flavors flanked by dusky spice and rose petal accents. Drink now through 2029.

93 POINTS

Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

Sleek and refined, with well-knit raspberry and pomegranate flavors that take on accents of orange-tinged tea and dusky spices, building toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031.

91 POINTS

Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast

A warm strawberry scone aroma is wrapped up in swirling notes of green tea and vanilla. Flavors are a bit tangier, with lemon, lime and raspberry all making appearances alongside filberts and marzipan. The beautifully balanced wine's crisp mouthfeel is matched by elevated acidity.

93 POINTS

Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

Silky and polished, this Pinot offers expressive flavors of raspberry and pomegranate accented by forest floor and dusky spice notes as this builds structure toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032.

94 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

This wine comes from this famed Willamette Valley site. Ripe red rose petals combine with peat moss, red currants and shades of bergamot on the nose. The palate is lithe and polished with a silky texture. Showing beautiful tart red fruits, this is outstanding Pinot Noir that has a long way to go in the cellar.

98 POINTS

Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck

It looked like it might be tough to top the 2023 Rosella's, but the 2023 Pinot Noir Sierra Mar does just that, youthful and juicy with plenty of time to go in bottle. It exudes complexity, offering layers of salty, herbal intensity, especially showy in a high level of sage and chaparral. Enduring elegance and restraint hallmark the beauty of the site in a beautifully cool-climate year, with structure to go another 10-15 years.

95 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Dense aromas of boysenberry, violet, cardamom and incense make for a hearty nose on this single-vineyard expression. The palate is creamy in texture, with just enough tannic framing to hold the lush flavors of boysenberry, violet and lavender together. Herb, pepper and oak spices emerge as the wine opens.

93 POINTS

Billy Norris, Vinous

The 2023 Pinot Noir Sierra Mar is darker in character than the Rosella’s tasted alongside. This churns out a load of blood orange, blackberry, chaparral herbs and stern, complex minerality. You can really perceive the elevation of this site in the tannins, which are ever-present but very fine. Medium in body, the 2023 shows lovely balance and elegance despite its intensity. A standout in the WALT portfolio.

95 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Palate

Expressive, Bold, Black Fruit, Cedar, Lavender, Full bodied, Refreshing Acidity, Pronounced Oak, Grainy Texture, Medium Tannin, Ready to Drink.

94 POINTS

Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

The 2023 Walt Sierra Mar Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands bursts with vivid boysenberry and blueberry alongside accents of wild strawberry and savory underbrush. The palate carries a medium to full-bodied presence, both concentrated and finely sculpted, with flavors unfolding in seamless layers. Its poise and integration shine through, delivering impressive length and a polished, enduring finish that captures the essence of the vineyard. Pair this with grilled quail glazed in pomegranate molasses, a dish that complements the wine’s interplay of ripe fruit and earthy undertones.

94 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

The 2023 ‘Sierra Mar’ Pinot Noir come from this site owned by the Francioni family as the high-elevation site was formerly a cattle ranch. Pisoni clone Pinot Noir is planted here, as this opens with back florals alongside sandy soils. The palate shows loads of mouth-watering acidity with kumquat zest and rose water with shades of menthol. Drink 2024-2036.

95 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Dense aromas of boysenberry, violet, cardamom and incense make for a hearty nose on this single-vineyard expression. The palate is creamy in texture, with just enough tannic framing to hold the lush flavors of boysenberry, violet and lavender together. Herb, pepper and oak spices emerge as the wine opens.

94+ POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent

Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2022 Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir springs with forward notes of pomegranate, wild blueberries, and juicy raspberries with hints of graphite, rosehip tea, and garrigue. The medium to full-bodied palate is lively with a fine-grained texture, delivering bags of bright, expressive berry flavors, finishing long and earthy.

90 POINTS

Billy Norris, Vinous

Light ruby-hued in the glass, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sierra Mar smells candy-sweet and floral, releasing aromas of blueberry, plum, steeped rose tea, red licorice, macerated strawberry and French vanilla. Spicy cola tones emerge with air. This sits on the riper side, and the oak is a bit forward, but nothing sticks out here—good or bad. This is nicely done, if a little uninspired

94 POINTS

Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck

A vineyard source since 2012, due 15 minutes south of Rosella’s and planted at 1,000 feet-elevation, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sierra Mar is made from different blocks with different typographies, all planted to the Pisoni clone. The black sage and chaparral elements speak loudly around a full-bodied weight of juicy red and purple fruit. The tannins are resolved and the wine rich, tannic, and structured, with a long aging window of 10-12 years.

96 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Lovely, lively and fresh aromas of strawberry sorbet and raspberry jam are elevated with hints of rosewater, hibiscus tea and lilac on the incredibly inviting nose of this bottling. The joyous, hedonistic palate is entertaining from start to finish, showing ripe plum, strawberry, mace and star-anise flavors.

94 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent

The 2021 Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir is pale to medium ruby-purple in color. Scents of black cherries, cranberry sauce, and fresh blackberries soar from the glass, plus hints of mossy tree bark, orange peel, and charcoal. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock full of black and red berry layers supported by fine-grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering minerally note.

94 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

This Santa Lucia Highlands site, the ‘Sierra Mar Vineyard’ was planted back in 2007 which is south along this appellation and is a hillside location set at a high elevation. Wild red berries with garrigue and pomegranate seed with stony undertones all mark the nose. Very seamless on the mouth, this shows beautiful length and underlying tension. With plenty of mouth-watering acidity, this beauty is fantastic to savor now and over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032.

94 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Palate

Opulent, Bold, Black Fruit, Earthy, Blackberries, Tar, Medium to Full bodied, Refreshing Acidity, Subtle Oak, Grainy Texture, Medium Tannin, Ready to Drink.

92 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The appellation 2018 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast comes from a mix of Bob's Ranch and Sangiacomo vineyard fruit and spent 15 months in 30% new French oak. It's slightly softer and more forward, yet still has terrific apple and spiced orange fruit, a kiss of background oak, medium-bodied richness, and a great finish.

92 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, International Wine Review

This Chardonnay is sourced from Bob's Ranch, which is a 25-acre vineyard in the Petaluma Wind Gap, first planted in 2007 and was purchased by Walt in 2014. The wine itself delivers a nose reminiscent of lemon oil, vanilla cream and butterscotch. The palate shows wonderful richness with a tremendous texture. Lemon oil, vanilla cream, and butterscotch flavors echo through with lovely minerality and texture on the finish.

90 POINTS

MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator

Packs hard lemon candy, fresh citrus and Honeycrisp apple flavors that are mouthwatering and vibrant, with notes of wild fennel, lemongrass and fresh ginger on the mouthwatering finish.

90 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2020 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is floral with honeysuckle, fresh pear, and lemon pastry. The palate leads with sweet fruit of candied green apple, baking spice, and frangipane. It has a medium build and is fresh amid its more confectionary qualities. Drink over the next several years.

92 POINTS

MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator

Juicy and vibrant, this has terrific purity to the lemon curd, yuzu and peach flavors, with a touch of salted butter. The finish features fresh herbal details of lemon verbena and ginger that linger. Drink now.

90 POINTS

MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator

A robust version, with focus to the lemon, grilled pineapple and apple pastry flavors. Strikes a balance between a supple, creamy frame and crisp, vivid acidity. Details of nutmeg, oolong tea and cedar come in on the finish, lingering effortlessly. Drink now.

93 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 WALT 'Sonoma Coast' Chardonnay (30% new French oak) comes together with ripe mango, banana, lemon cream, white peach and copious salty minerals on the palate. The long finish lingers marvelously on the tongue, as this beauty is best enjoyed over the next eight years.

92 POINTS

Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

This creamy, ripe and honeyed wine overflows with tasty flavors of baked apples, croissants and vanilla. A full body and soft acidity give it a rich, mouthfilling texture that clings to the palate on the finish.

93 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

Coming from several sites in the Sonoma Coast AVA, this 2022 Chardonnay delivers a silky mouthfeel, loaded with citrus and melon fruit flavors. Medium to full-bodied, with good length, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032.

92 POINTS

Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

Clean and mineral driven, the nose of this wine gives aromas of tangerine, lemon peel, river rocks and fresh white flowers. The palate has a bright streak of citrusy acidity, with flavors of Meyer lemon and pomelo that linger and mingle with barrel spice for a moment on the finish.

93 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report

The 2017 WALT Santa Rita Hills is sourced from multiple vineyards within this AVA. A brilliant whiff of salinity greets you aromatically as the wine shows bright red fruits that mingle with shades of kumquat rind and earthy undertones that build in the glass. The palate shows off a silky texture and wonderfully soft mouthfeel. Black tea, exotic spices and shades of cran-raspberry puree all mingle together nicely on the palate. A delight to enjoy in its youth, the wine will show well for another decade. Drink 2019-2029.

91 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

There's lots of rooibos tea notes to this toothsome red, which offers a well-honed structure to support the dried berry and cherry tart flavors. Rich and savory on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,661 cases made.

90 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is outstanding and certainly gives a good view of the quality from this estate as well as the appellation. Black raspberries, caramelized cherries, violets, and subtle earthy, herbal notes give way to a medium-bodied, elegant, incredibly well-made Pinot Noir that will drink nicely for 4-5 years.

92 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Opulent aromas of baked Bing cherry and strawberry are flaked in licorice and a touch of clove on the nose of this rich expression. Dark plum and cherry tones meet with the appellation's characteristic cola spice on the palate.

90 POINTS

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

Svelte and juicy, with lively dark plum and boysenberry flavors that feature forest floor notes. Pastry hints on the rich, open-textured finish. Drink now through 2023.

94 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

Powerful aromas of dark cherry, strawberry jam and crushed star anise make for a hedonistic nose on this bottling. The palate ranges from black cherry to baked berry, with cardamom and more star anise as well as a firm tannic frame standing in the background.

90 POINTS

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

A ripe, inviting style, with a delicious core of plum, raspberry and maraschino cherry fruit flavors, which meld nicely with singed anise and apple wood through the caressing finish. Drink now through 2026. 2,997 cases made.

93 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

Mainly sourced from the Clos Pepe Vineyard, the 2021 WALT 'Santa Rita Hills' Pinot Noir reveals salty red fruits with orange rind and baking spices on the nose. The palate is lithe and fresh with a great sense of underlying salinity. Plush and round with refined tannins, this is gratifying Pinot Noir to enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2022-2030.

90 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck

The appellation 2021 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills (5% stems) is up-front and charming, with beautiful darker cherry and mulberry fruits, medium body, ripe, nicely integrated tannins, and some classic herbal, earthy, spicy nuances. It's impeccably made and thoroughly enjoyable. It should drink well for 4-5 years.

95 POINTS

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

This appellation cuvée is just as strong as the brand's single-vineyard expressions. Lovely aromas of cherry, berry, red flower, sumac and cinnamon draw the nose into the wine. Focused flavors of cherry and strawberry give way to peach and white pepper on the palate, where fine-grained tannins recall pulverized chalk. Editors' Choice.

94 POINTS

Owen Bargreen, Owen Bargreen

The 2022 'Santa Rita Hills' displays a gorgeous nose with pretty potpourri tones alongside salted kumquat and shades of pomegranate seed. The wine is pretty and concentrated with a seriously good mouthful and loads of diatomaceous earth character alongside an ebullient core of red fruit flavors. This offers serious value. Drink 2023-2035.