What Walter Scott wine are you drinking?

[Zachary_Mancini]

The 22 koosah i had last night was simply stunning.

[Bweiss]

This is pretty much how I feel about WS Chardonnays across the board

[OwenJ]

I’ve discovered that a local store has a little stash of 2021 La Combe Verte Chards and PNs, and definitely plan on picking up at least two of each.

My only question for those more experienced with Walter Scott wines is whether the chardonnays experience any closing off at certain points, as I would like to open one sooner rather than later and wouldn’t want to skew my own perspective by inadvertently encountering the wine at a strange point in its lifespan.

I don’t really expect this to be the case, and it’s not exactly a big outlay for one of these bottles, but I was simply trying to go into the tasting experience with more information, as I’ve never had a Walter Scott wine despite reading plenty about them.

Thanks in advance!

[Brian_S_t_o_t_t_e_r]

Has anyone gotten to try the 2023 Cuvee Anne or the Aligote yet? I know they aren’t being sold yet but just curious.

[gavin.f]

‘22 Vertes haven’t had a shut down period yet for me. Haven’t had ‘21s. They are pretty responsive so if you don’t get an answer here I’d just give them a ring.

[Bweiss]

I have yet to experience any shut down period in the Chardonnays. My experience has been that they age at a pretty glacial pace, picking up only a bit of mid-palette weight with some years on them, a touch less primary fruit and slightly less reductive character.

[OwenJ]

Appreciate it, very helpful!

[Patrick_Taylor]

@OwenJ

My only question for those more experienced with Walter Scott wines is whether the chardonnays experience any closing off at certain points, as I would like to open one sooner rather than later and wouldn’t want to skew my own perspective by inadvertently encountering the wine at a strange point in its lifespan

Great question. Perhaps @Erica_Landon can weigh in.

[Rick_Allen]

Brian, we tried the 2023 Cuvee Anne as a warm-up for the futures tasting. I thought it was superb, and maybe a little more open than the single vineyard wines.

[Terry_H_a_r_r_i_s]

Anyone have any recent experience(s) with the 2017 or 2019 Viticole Cuveés that were offered (Monopole) last Berserker Day?

[Bweiss]

I really enjoyed the ‘19 and felt it really over performed for the price. The 17 was good, but lacking complexity for me personally. No regrets with the purchase, but relative to the latest vintages of single vineyard designated, I’ll take the SVDs every day.

[Erica_Landon]

Hi Bob! As @Rick_Allen mentioned, it is a barrel selection each year and it has to be really special. On the heals of the 2021 and soon to be released 2022, we just didnt have any that met that mark. They all worked better in the Freedom Hill Chardonnay blend.

[Erica_Landon]

Thank you, Patrick!

@OwenJ - We have had the opportunity to open a few of the 2021’s recently and they are in a good spot. I definitely think some wines can close up at times, with ours it is my experience that this happens primarily after bottling and it is about a year after that they really blossom again.

[Erica_Landon]

@Terry_H_a_r_r_i_s - I would echo this. The 2019 vintage is a great Chardonnay vinetage and they are drinking really well now. The 2017 vinetage was a bigger crop and doesnt have quite the same concentration, but they are in a good spot to try now.

[Terry_H_a_r_r_i_s]

Thank you, Erica and Benjamin!

[Nate_Rulis]

Not the Viticole Cuvée, but I opened a 2017 Cuvee Anne yesterday and it is fantastic. Loads of citrus (lemon & lime) with some lovely orchard fruit and tropical fruit salad. There’s also a hint of vanilla and spearmint that, when they all combine, is this juicy fruit-esq note that I adore in WS chards.

[gavin.f]

appreciate that update! '22 is also in a great place right now.

[OwenJ]

@Erica_Landon Hi! Nice to meet you, and thank you so much for the feedback. I did get my hands on those 2021s and I look forward to giving them a go!

All the best,
Owen

[Dale_McClaran]

• 2016 Walter Scott Chardonnay X-Novo Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills (1/19/2025)
  I gave this a good 20 minutes of air before diving in. As many notes start on pretty much Any WS Chard, is the guy flint/ matchstick / sulphur trait (I”m a gunlfint man myself) seems to be present, but well integrated. Once past that aspect, an incredible specimen emerges, full of chiseled citrus and the like. Roasted hazelnuts (keeping it in OR) add a richness that balances this out well, and really good staying power on the finish. Fine length. Plent of gas left in the tank and should see its 15th Birthday with no problem. (94 points)

Posted from CellarTracker

[G_Bienstock]

@G_Bienstock

I was fortunate to taste barrels from the 2012 vintage. I really enjoyed the Dumb Ox and bought a few bottles as futures. Drank the last one yesterday with Zach Mancini.

Dumb Ox is own rooted Pommard clone from Eola Springs vineyard, planted in 1996 I think. The bottle showed great pure red fruit and spice while just starting to turn the corner into secondary complexity. While clearly made from different areas, it reminded me of the Rhys style of pure fruit. Excellent texture and it really lit up my tastebuds! 5 or more years of life left. Excellent bottle!

My last bottle of the 2013. Fully mature and very good! Delightful with bison burgers.