Walla Walla Vintners tasting room is nestled in their own Cut Bank Estate Vineyards, in the shadows of Blue Mountains.
Walla Walla Vintners has a long legacy that attracted us to visit. I was later surprised to discover that relatively new owners, Scott and Nici Haladay took over in 2017, and Winemaker Derrek Vipond joined in 2019. However, WW Vintners actually started in 1995, becoming the 8th winery in Walla Walla Valley. The history of the winery attracted us to visit, and despite the new turnover in proprietors and winemaker, we were not disappointed.
2019 GSM
66% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 12% Mourvedre
Red Heaven and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards
"A perfect combination of rich, dark fruited Syrah, bright wild berry notes from Grenache, and a touch of umami from Mourvedre. A classic blend with beautiful layers of flavor and aroma."
Price $38
Rating 4.0
2018 Syrah Cut Bank Estate
100% Syrah
Cut Bank Estate Vineyard
“The 2018 Syrah Cut Bank Estate Vineyard opens with dense, dark black fruit aromas with tones of cedar, maple, black pepper and roasted lavender. Flavors of blackberry skin, dark plum, bitter dark chocolate and black peppercorn lead to a lingering and spicy finish.”
Price $50
Rating 4.5
2019 Red Wine Cut Bank Estate
70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Cut Bank Estate Vineyard
"Sourced 100% from our Cut Bank Estate vineyard. Sitting at 1,467 feet, the gentle breezes and abundant sunshine promote slow, even ripening. Receiving an average of 22" annual precipitation, we are able to dry farm and focus on sustainability at our estate. "
Price $46
Rating 4.5
2019 Waliser Vineyard Cabernet Franc
100% Cabernet Franc
Waliser Vineyard
"Opens with intense aromas of incense, minerals, red fruits and a touch of cream lead to a palate with beautiful floral tones and a racy, mouthwatering acidity."
Price $65
Rating 4.6
We had an amazing tasting experience at Walla Walla Vintners. Our associate Peter was courteous, knowlegeable and generous. We were also able to catch some sips of their 2020 Vineyard Select Merlot, 2019 Sagemore Vineyards Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2019 Cut Bank Estate Vottavo, which were also excellent.
We were happy with every single one of their wines, an obviously big accomplishment! Their white labeled wines (multiple vineyard) were excellent every day drinking wines, with a very reasonable price point, while their black label (single vineyard and estate wines) were a little more of a splurge, but well worth it.
We were told they are up for renovations to expand their tasting room. We will definitely be back to check them out!
