THE WALLS LIPSTINGER WHITE 2021

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Brilliant pale gold with platinum reflections and crystalline clarity.

Nose: Intensely aromatic with vivid citrus blossom, white peach, fresh-cut pear, and green apple skin. Secondary aromas reveal layers of crushed stone, honeysuckle, lemongrass, and hints of fresh herbs. The bouquet shows remarkable precision and complexity.

Palate: Electric and vibrant with impressive tension between bright acidity and textural richness. The entry presents crystalline citrus notes (Meyer lemon, lime zest) followed by white stone fruit and crisp orchard fruit flavors. The mid-palate reveals remarkable complexity with notes of fresh herbs, alpine flowers, white pepper, and a distinctive saline mineral quality that speaks to its terroir. The wine combines precision with depth, showcasing a captivating balance between fruit purity and savory elements.

Finish: Long and focused with persistent citrus notes, lingering minerality, and mouthwatering acidity that gradually tapers, leaving an impression of both vibrancy and elegance.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Producer: The Walls Vineyards
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: Primarily Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Picpoul
Vintage: 2021
Alcohol: 12.8% ABV
Fermentation: Native yeasts in a combination of concrete eggs and neutral French oak
Aging: 8-10 months on fine lees
Production: Approximately 450 cases
Closure: Natural cork
Suggested Retail: $38-45

VINEYARD & WINEMAKING NOTES

The 2021 Lipstinger White sources fruit from high-elevation sites throughout Washington's Columbia Valley, with particular focus on vineyards in the Ancient Lakes and Yakima Valley AVAs. These cooler sites offer ideal conditions for Rhône white varieties, with significant diurnal temperature shifts that preserve crucial acidity while fostering phenolic ripeness and flavor development.

The 2021 vintage in Washington State was characterized by a hot, dry summer followed by ideal fall conditions with cooler temperatures that allowed for extended hang time. This combination produced wines with exceptional concentration while maintaining balance and freshness—particularly ideal for aromatic white varieties.

Hand-harvested in the cool predawn hours, whole clusters were gently pressed with minimal skin contact to preserve freshness and prevent phenolic extraction. Fermentation proceeded with indigenous yeasts in a combination of concrete eggs (for texture and mineral expression) and neutral French oak barrels (for subtle complexity and enhanced mouthfeel). The wine remained on its fine lees for 8-10 months with periodic stirring to develop textural complexity while preserving aromatic purity.

The name "Lipstinger" playfully references the wine's electric acidity and vibrant character that enlivens the palate.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

• Fresh oysters with mignonette sauce
• Pan-seared halibut with lemon-caper beurre blanc
• Grilled prawns with herb butter
• Classic French bouillabaisse
• Goat cheese salad with citrus vinaigrette
• Roasted chicken with herbs de Provence
• Spanish tapas featuring manchego and marcona almonds

ABOUT THE WALLS VINEYARDS

Founded in 2014 by Mike and Ali Martin, The Walls Vineyards represents one of Washington State's most exciting boutique producers. The winery's unusual name references the Washington State Penitentiary (known locally as "The Walls") in Walla Walla, embracing both the area's history and a metaphorical breaking down of barriers in winemaking.

Under the guidance of winemaker Todd Alexander (formerly of Bryant Family Vineyard in Napa Valley), The Walls has quickly established a reputation for producing some of Washington's most distinctive and compelling wines. Their approach emphasizes minimal intervention, native fermentations, and precise vineyard sourcing to create wines of exceptional character and sense of place.

While The Walls produces outstanding red wines (particularly Syrah and Grenache), their white wine program has garnered special acclaim for bringing attention to Rhône white varieties in Washington State. The Lipstinger represents their flagship white blend, showcasing the potential for these Mediterranean varieties in Washington's unique growing conditions.

FASCINATING INSIGHTS ABOUT THE WINE

• The Walls has been at the forefront of championing Rhône white varieties in Washington State, helping establish these grapes as particularly well-suited to the region's diverse microclimates.
• Concrete egg fermenters, used for a portion of this wine, have become increasingly popular for white wine fermentation due to their unique properties: the egg shape creates continuous natural movement during fermentation (eliminating the need for stirring), while the concrete material allows for oxygen exchange similar to oak but without imparting flavor.
• The combination of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Picpoul creates a harmonious balance: Grenache Blanc contributes body and stone fruit notes, Roussanne adds richness and complexity, while Picpoul (whose name literally means "lip-stinger" in the local Occitan language) provides the crucial acidity that gives this wine its name and vibrant character.
• The Ancient Lakes AVA, source for some of this wine's fruit, features a distinctive geological formation called the Missoula Floods—catastrophic Ice Age flooding that left behind a complex mix of calcium-rich soils that impart distinctive mineral characteristics to wines grown there.
• Winemaker Todd Alexander brings experience from prestigious California estates to his Washington State projects, representing part of a growing trend of established winemakers relocating to Washington to explore the state's exceptional but still-emerging wine potential.
• The Walls practices sustainable viticulture throughout their vineyards, focusing on organic farming methods that enhance soil health and vineyard biodiversity.