Walt Wines is the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sister of Hall Wines. Hall Wines purchased Roessler Cellars and renamed it Walt Wines while taking over the entire production and wine making. They source grapes from vineyards in Anderson Valley, the Sonoma Coast, Sta. Rita Hills and Willamette Valley.
Today I tasted the 2011 WALT "Rita's Crown" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. The Rita’s Crown Vineyard is one of three single vineyard Pinot Noir's that are made from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Based on Wine Spectator's ratings this wine scored 90 points on the 100 point scale. James Laube recommended a 2014-2022 drink window but I decided to try one bottle in its youth. The front palate has an interesting mix of organic beef jerky, raspberry and a hint of effervescence. The mid palate has firm tannin which hides the dark cherry, cola and earth notes. The finish is long and coats the entire palate.
Recommendation - A very complex wine which shows many different layers. This wine could benefit from another two-three years in the cellar to let those primary notes overshadow the tannin on the mid palate. Buy a few bottles to store in your cellar. - Retail $60.
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