2019 “The Ramparts” - The Walls Vineyards

A remarkably rich yet rugged presentation bursting with blueberry preserves, chocolate cherry cordial, ripe strawberry, and mulberry pie booms with striking density and depth as intriguing herbal tones of sagebrush, rosemary, and bramble provide delightfully wild organic underpinnings. Wafts of violet and lilac gently emerge to reveal intricately layered floral character woven together with mild spiciness in the form of black pepper and chili powder. Notes of smoke, bitter cacao, and black coffee pleasantly contribute interesting roasted qualities that intermingle with earthy suggestions of volcanic rock and iron. Hints of salami and peppered beef jerky round out the display with truly captivating meatiness that meshes wonderfully with the plethora of thought-provoking non-fruit notes. Impressively bold and broad-shouldered on the palate while remaining beautifully balanced despite its substantial weight; exhibiting a powerful and attention-grabbing combination of ripe fruit and complex savory nuances that bravely battle each other for dominance with no clear winner. Full bodied with gobs of grippy tannin kept fresh by surprisingly elevated acidity. This 2019 "The Ramparts" by The Walls Vineyards is a gorgeously unique and muscular red from Red Mountain.

Although perhaps best known for the world class Cabernet it produces, Washington's Red Mountain appellation has also proven to be an incredible place to grow Rhône varieties by helping shape some of the USA's greatest examples of Rhône-style wine. This bottling, crafted by The Walls Vineyards using a blend of 53% Grenache/22% Mourvedre/14% Counoise/11% Syrah sourced from Red Mountain, is an incredibly compelling example of the monumental heights Rhône-style blends from Washington can reach. This broods with a diverse range of dense red and dark fruits complicated by delicious herbal qualities, pretty florals, rugged earthiness, and wonderful meaty charms. Although captivating today this also boasts the structure to cellar gracefully for at least a decade, and additional age will likely further enhance its natural savoriness. Outstanding.