Dec 30, 2022
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WALT Wines
| Owner(s) | Craig Hall, Kathryn Hall |
| Web site | www.waltwines.com |
| Link to this site |
Craig and Kathryn Hall of Hall wines acquired Roessler Cellars in 2010 and reincarnated the label as WALT, the maiden name of Kathryn, to honor Kathryn's parents, Bob and Delores Hall. Roger Roessler, the former co-owner of Roessler Cellars, remains a partner.
WALT is an ambitious entry into Pinot Noir and Chardonnay under the winemaking direction of Steve Leveque, who also crafts the HALL Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Vineyard partners are located in the Anderson Valley, Sonoma County, Sta. Rita Hills, and the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Walt offered 10 Pinot Noirs and 2 Chardonnays from the 2010 vintage.
HALL Wines has two winery locations in St. Helena and Rutherford, as well as the WALT Tasting Room in Sonoma Plaza. HALL is the Cabernet house and WALT is the Pinot house.
Articles About WALT Wines
More Sips of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir (9.44 7/28/2014)
Results of Exclusive Press Tasting of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir (Mendocino Fairgrounds) (11.6 7/8/2017)
Rosé and Chardonnay: Recently Sampled Wines (9.24 5/5/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers (9.43 7/19/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines (9.32 10/26/2013)
Reviewed Wines
2014 Walt The Corners Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
15.1% alc., $75. Winery is located in
Sonoma. Walt also offers Anderson Valley Pinot Noir from Savoy Vineyard, Anderson Valley single vineyard
Pinpoint Extreme, and an Anderson Valley AVA blend “Blue Jay.” Winemakers are Megan Gunderson Paredes
and Steve Leveque. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 45% new Francois Frères.
·
Moderate ruby red
color in the glass. Reserved aromas of muddled black cherry and oak char. Sappy, oak-infused black fruits
saturate the palate. A Caliesque styled wine with a smooth mouthfeel, well integrated alcohol and a fruit driven
finish. A no-holds barred, hedonistic Pinot Noir.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Blue Jay Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 3,688 cases, $40. Sourced from Anderson
Creek (a warmer site) and Savoy ( a cool site in the “deep end”) vineyards. Native yeast fermentation, aged in
40% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Very shy nose
becoming somewhat more aromatic over time in the glass to reveal scents of black cherry, violets and spice.
Light to mid weight flavors of blueberries and black raspberries. Soft tannins, straightforward, and easy to
drink with a complimentary touch of oak in the background.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 28, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 WALT La Brisa Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 2,594 cases, $40. Released March 2014. A blend from several
select vineyards including Widdoes, Kozlowski, Martinelli, Gregori and Gap’s Crown. Native yeast
fermentation, aged in 40% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in
the glass. Perfumed with black cherry, spice, oak and a subtle floral note. Modest in weight but
flavorful with notes of black cherry, spice and anise-laced oak. The tannins and alcohol are integrated
and the wine is easy to drink.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.9% alc., 442 cases, $50. Released January 2014. Sourced
from a Dutton vineyard west of Sebastopol in the coolest region of the Russian River Valley.
Goldridge soils. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 35% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Pleasant aromas of lemon pie filling, yellow
peach and nutty oak are echoed on the palate which is silky. The finish is citrus-driven and refreshing,
but offers a sense of alcohol.
Score: 87.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Clos Pepe Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
15.4%
alc., 559 cases, $65. Released November 2014. Clone 115 from a lower-vigor section and
Pommard from gravely slopes. Native yeast fermentation, aged in
55% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Dark reddish purple
color in the glass. Shy fruit emerges slowly on the nose which is
dominated by aromas of oak-driven briar and hazelnut. Impressive
attack of black raspberry, blackberry and spiced plum fruit
accented by dark chocolate and sweet oak. Somewhat earthy and
savory with dry, proportioned tannins and some finishing intensity.
Done well in its style.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 1,114 cases, $65. Release September 2014. Clones
667 and 115. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 65% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is scented with a mix of darker berries
and graham. Soft and polished in the mouth, this fruit-driven wine features black raspberry,
blackberry and plum flavors which veer to the ripe side. Lacks nuance and finishes with a strong
sense of alcohol.
Score: 87.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Rita’s Crown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 825 cases, $65. Released January 2014. Native yeast
fermentation, aged in 60% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Dark reddish purple color in the
glass. The nose smells of oak and spice with little to no fruit. Bombastic purple fruits with sculpted,
firm tannins. Rather monotone, entering stronger than it exits. The fruit is still buried in fruit and
tannins. The plush, velvety texture is a highlight.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 414 cases, $65. Native yeast
fermentation, aged in 50% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Dark reddish purple color in the glass. A
full-bodied wine featuring an array of dark fruits including blackberries and plums with a prominent oak
presence. Very seamless, with integrated tannins, and seems to slip off the palate like silk. A high brow wine
that can age, but appealing now.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 28, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Sierra Mar Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
15.5% alc., 168 cases, $65
(sold out). Released April 2014. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 50% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Done well in its style, this wine features appealing
aromas of black raspberry, violets, nutty oak and sandalwood. The mid to full-bodied core of earthy
black raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruits are very plush. A rich entry and rich finish. The
prodigious fruit tries to keep the wine in balance but a touch of alcoholic heat peaks out at the end.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 WALT The Corners Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 473 cases, $65. Dijon 667 sourced from
Anderson Creek and Annahala vineyards in the Boonville region in the southeastern corner of the Anderson
Valley AVA. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 45% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark
reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding dark fruits on the nose lead to middleweight flavors of black fruits
and tarry oak. The fruit is buried in muscular tannins and the wine finishes hot. A rather simple, fruit-driven
wine that is undistinguished.
Score: 86.
Reviewed July 28, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 WALT La Brisa Sonoma County Chardonnay
14.4% alc., $35. Walt Wines is owned by vintners
Kathryn Walt Hall and Craig Hill who partnered with artisan vintner Roger Roessler. A blend of
Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast vineyards (Dutton Ranch and Sangiacomo Vineyard). Old
Wente clone.
·
Moderate golden straw color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon meringue,
honey, poached pear, stewed apples and fresh cut grass. A solid wine with appealing flavors of
vanilla pudding with pineapple, baked pear, nori and a hint of oak. A bright cut of acidity brings the
wine to life and leads to a refreshing finish. Good.
Reviewed May 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 WALT Blue Jay Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 1,875 cases, $40. Sourced from Hein, Savoy,
Anderson Creek and other vineyards. Native yeast fermentation, unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish-purple
color in the glass. Lavishly perfumed with aromas of black raspberry jam, pepper, spice and oak with a
very slight funky barnyard note. On the palate the wine is juicy and forward with flavors of dark red and black
raspberries, black cherries, baking spices and seasoned oak. A discreetly concentrated offering with some
finishing power.
Score: 87.
Reviewed October 27, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 WALT La Brisa Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 1,051 cases, $40. La Brisa is Spanish for “The
Breeze.” Sourced from multiple vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley including Widdoes, Martinelli,
Gregori, and the Gap’s Crown in the Sonoma Coast. Native yeast fermentation, unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Delicate aromas and flavors of Bing cherry, red berries and
oak. Relatively light in weight but charming with soft tannins and some finishing length. A solid if not inspiring
wine that displays plenty of oak imprint.
Score: 88.
Reviewed October 27, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 WALT Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.8% alc.,
1,009 cases, $60. Dutton Ranch and Sangiacomo Vineyard. Old Wente clone.
Native yeast fermentation, unfined and unfiltered.
·
Light golden straw color and
clear in the glass. Shy, but inviting aromas of Asian pear, lemon drop, brewed
lemon tea and a hint of juicy fruit. A statuesque wine that has a charming
restraint but offers a very pleasurable array of flavors including lemon, pear, and
green apple. No imposing oak to spoil the experience. This is a wine that
unfolds slowly, showing a different nuance a little at a time. Very good.
Reviewed May 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 WAIT Hein Family Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 250 cases, $52, release June 29,
2012. From a vineyard owned by Richard Roessler which is farmed organically. Clones 777, 115 and
Pommard. 30% whole clusters.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of boysenberries
and plum. Pleasing array of dark berry flavors in a mid weight style with a very polished, satiny mouth feel.
Very good.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2014 Walt The Corners Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
15.1% alc., $75. Winery is located in Sonoma. Walt also offers Anderson Valley Pinot Noir from Savoy Vineyard, Anderson Valley single vineyard Pinpoint Extreme, and an Anderson Valley AVA blend “Blue Jay.” Winemakers are Megan Gunderson Paredes and Steve Leveque. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 45% new Francois Frères. · Moderate ruby red color in the glass. Reserved aromas of muddled black cherry and oak char. Sappy, oak-infused black fruits saturate the palate. A Caliesque styled wine with a smooth mouthfeel, well integrated alcohol and a fruit driven finish. A no-holds barred, hedonistic Pinot Noir. Score: 89. Reviewed July 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Blue Jay Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 3,688 cases, $40. Sourced from Anderson Creek (a warmer site) and Savoy ( a cool site in the “deep end”) vineyards. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 40% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Very shy nose becoming somewhat more aromatic over time in the glass to reveal scents of black cherry, violets and spice. Light to mid weight flavors of blueberries and black raspberries. Soft tannins, straightforward, and easy to drink with a complimentary touch of oak in the background. Score: 88. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 WALT La Brisa Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 2,594 cases, $40. Released March 2014. A blend from several select vineyards including Widdoes, Kozlowski, Martinelli, Gregori and Gap’s Crown. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 40% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Perfumed with black cherry, spice, oak and a subtle floral note. Modest in weight but flavorful with notes of black cherry, spice and anise-laced oak. The tannins and alcohol are integrated and the wine is easy to drink. Score: 88. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.9% alc., 442 cases, $50. Released January 2014. Sourced from a Dutton vineyard west of Sebastopol in the coolest region of the Russian River Valley. Goldridge soils. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 35% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Pleasant aromas of lemon pie filling, yellow peach and nutty oak are echoed on the palate which is silky. The finish is citrus-driven and refreshing, but offers a sense of alcohol. Score: 87. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Clos Pepe Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
15.4% alc., 559 cases, $65. Released November 2014. Clone 115 from a lower-vigor section and Pommard from gravely slopes. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 55% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Shy fruit emerges slowly on the nose which is dominated by aromas of oak-driven briar and hazelnut. Impressive attack of black raspberry, blackberry and spiced plum fruit accented by dark chocolate and sweet oak. Somewhat earthy and savory with dry, proportioned tannins and some finishing intensity. Done well in its style. Score: 90. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 1,114 cases, $65. Release September 2014. Clones 667 and 115. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 65% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is scented with a mix of darker berries and graham. Soft and polished in the mouth, this fruit-driven wine features black raspberry, blackberry and plum flavors which veer to the ripe side. Lacks nuance and finishes with a strong sense of alcohol. Score: 87. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Rita’s Crown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 825 cases, $65. Released January 2014. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 60% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose smells of oak and spice with little to no fruit. Bombastic purple fruits with sculpted, firm tannins. Rather monotone, entering stronger than it exits. The fruit is still buried in fruit and tannins. The plush, velvety texture is a highlight. Score: 88. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 414 cases, $65. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 50% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. A full-bodied wine featuring an array of dark fruits including blackberries and plums with a prominent oak presence. Very seamless, with integrated tannins, and seems to slip off the palate like silk. A high brow wine that can age, but appealing now. Score: 89. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 WALT Sierra Mar Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
15.5% alc., 168 cases, $65 (sold out). Released April 2014. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 50% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Done well in its style, this wine features appealing aromas of black raspberry, violets, nutty oak and sandalwood. The mid to full-bodied core of earthy black raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruits are very plush. A rich entry and rich finish. The prodigious fruit tries to keep the wine in balance but a touch of alcoholic heat peaks out at the end. Score: 89. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 WALT The Corners Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 473 cases, $65. Dijon 667 sourced from Anderson Creek and Annahala vineyards in the Boonville region in the southeastern corner of the Anderson Valley AVA. Native yeast fermentation, aged in 45% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding dark fruits on the nose lead to middleweight flavors of black fruits and tarry oak. The fruit is buried in muscular tannins and the wine finishes hot. A rather simple, fruit-driven wine that is undistinguished. Score: 86. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 WALT La Brisa Sonoma County Chardonnay
14.4% alc., $35. Walt Wines is owned by vintners Kathryn Walt Hall and Craig Hill who partnered with artisan vintner Roger Roessler. A blend of Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast vineyards (Dutton Ranch and Sangiacomo Vineyard). Old Wente clone. · Moderate golden straw color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon meringue, honey, poached pear, stewed apples and fresh cut grass. A solid wine with appealing flavors of vanilla pudding with pineapple, baked pear, nori and a hint of oak. A bright cut of acidity brings the wine to life and leads to a refreshing finish. Good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 WALT Blue Jay Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 1,875 cases, $40. Sourced from Hein, Savoy, Anderson Creek and other vineyards. Native yeast fermentation, unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Lavishly perfumed with aromas of black raspberry jam, pepper, spice and oak with a very slight funky barnyard note. On the palate the wine is juicy and forward with flavors of dark red and black raspberries, black cherries, baking spices and seasoned oak. A discreetly concentrated offering with some finishing power. Score: 87. Reviewed October 27, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 WALT La Brisa Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 1,051 cases, $40. La Brisa is Spanish for “The Breeze.” Sourced from multiple vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley including Widdoes, Martinelli, Gregori, and the Gap’s Crown in the Sonoma Coast. Native yeast fermentation, unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Delicate aromas and flavors of Bing cherry, red berries and oak. Relatively light in weight but charming with soft tannins and some finishing length. A solid if not inspiring wine that displays plenty of oak imprint. Score: 88. Reviewed October 27, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 WALT Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.8% alc., 1,009 cases, $60. Dutton Ranch and Sangiacomo Vineyard. Old Wente clone. Native yeast fermentation, unfined and unfiltered. · Light golden straw color and clear in the glass. Shy, but inviting aromas of Asian pear, lemon drop, brewed lemon tea and a hint of juicy fruit. A statuesque wine that has a charming restraint but offers a very pleasurable array of flavors including lemon, pear, and green apple. No imposing oak to spoil the experience. This is a wine that unfolds slowly, showing a different nuance a little at a time. Very good. Reviewed May 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 WAIT Hein Family Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 250 cases, $52, release June 29, 2012. From a vineyard owned by Richard Roessler which is farmed organically. Clones 777, 115 and Pommard. 30% whole clusters. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of boysenberries and plum. Pleasing array of dark berry flavors in a mid weight style with a very polished, satiny mouth feel. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »