Autumn 2019

Upcoming 2017 Pulido~Walker Release
from Panek Vineyard

The 2017 Pulido~Walker vintage is deeply emotional to us as we recall the devastating fires of that year. While the fires had personal impact on us and so many others, we are fortunate that they had no impact on Pulido~Walker wines. With harvest and crush complete before the blaze ignited, we are thankful that our production and storage facilities were untouched and winemaking operations proceeded normally. The release of the 2017 vintage is a cause to celebrate this amazing and supportive community and our continuing to “Pursue the Possible” with ardent determination to craft exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines authentic to each remarkable vineyard site’s unique terroir.

“In the Panek Vineyard, we harvest from five different blocks each vintage. In the past, there have been several standout lots of wines associated with individual clones, but that has changed. The combination of vine maturity and new farming efforts have brought all five into the limelight. The 2017 Pulido~Walker Panek Vineyard is blended from the three clones (6, 7, and 169) traditionally used, along with the inclusion of clone 337, which rose to our extraordinary standards, in order to bring you a wine of excellent quality from a vineyard where quality has become consistently high. This vintage is balanced and light on its feet, with fresh fruit characteristics. Somewhat more red fruited than typical, the wine is a refreshing one to drink now. As much as we anticipate the ways the wine will develop with age, we greatly appreciate the 2017 Panek Cabernet Sauvignon for giving us something delicious to uncork right away.”  —Thomas Rivers Brown, Winemaker

Over the Thanksgiving holidays, we had the chance to taste through a vertical of Pulido~Walker Panek Vineyard from 2015, 2016, and 2017. The latest release is an elegant and timeless 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine that is approachable in its youth thanks to it freshness and vibrant acidity. The 2017 first reveals exotic spice and hedonistic aromas of fresh red currant, chocolate covered cherries, and graphite. Blueberry compote, sweet tobacco, molasses, and roasted herbs shine at its core. The wine is opulent yet fresh with tremendous finesse on the palate, incredibly well integrated tannins, and vibrant acidity leading to a mineral rich finish.

We celebrate the release of the 2017 vintage of Pulido~Walker Cabernet Sauvignon from Panek Vineyard with your invitation to purchase arriving in January.

2019 Harvest Notes

The 2019 growing season started off with Mother Nature bringing an unprecedented amount of rain in the spring. We had a cool winter followed by a wet April and May, bringing a slow but steady start.

Budbreak was nearly two weeks behind where we were last year. The combination of extra rain and well-conditioned soils resulted in a full, lush, and active canopy. Our vineyard teams were particularly diligent in their tactful farming techniques and sustainable approach to ensure we are setting the stage for healthy grape clusters come the summer.

We welcomed a generous crop in 2019. To optimize the vineyards’ potential and to give the fruit the most room for success on the vine, we look for a balance of protection and sun exposure. By clearing leaves from the cane and opening the fruit zone, we allow airflow and sunlight in, giving each cluster its own sovereign space. We’re diligent in cluster thinning on both green and red fruit to give the low yields freedom to ripen with flavor complexity and tannins, hallmarks of Pulido~Walker’s extraordinary single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from remarkable sites.

From this point forward, we saw a steady growing season with no excessive heat spikes and Mother Nature leading the vines to find a rhythm with our cool mornings and warm afternoons and evenings. These blessings continued into the late summer and early fall, allowing phenolic ripeness and physiological maturity. We were able to pick the fruit methodically by individual clone and block, taking time to be selective with each vineyard site and leaving grapes to reach full maturity on the vine.

The quality of the fruit in 2019 is something to be excited about! This excellence is the result of a seamless teamwork with our farming and winemaking teams. Good water management, attention to detail with vine and cluster management, healthy soils, and superb weather patterns gave, what looks to be, an immaculate vintage.

A Pulido~Walker Food and Wine Pairing for Your Holiday Table

Just in time for the season’s festivities, Julia and Austin collaborated on a recipe and wine pairing suggestion for you to share at your holiday table. Watch our video to learn about the wine Julia selected from the Pulido~Walker library, and click on the recipe link below for Austin’s delicious stuffing recipe. Cheers and enjoy!

Download Recipe

You’re Invited to Taste with Us

Please join us for the Pulido~Walker Experience at Mending Wall Winery. You’ll enjoy a curated tasting of our exceptional single vineyard designate wines and have a chance to learn more about how and why we “Pursue the Possible.”

All of our wines are produced at Mending Wall, a winery we built in partnership with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and Frank Dotzler, co-founder of Outpost. If you or your friends would like to arrange for your own Pulido~Walker Experience, please call 707-226-1900 or email [email protected] to make a reservation.

MARK PULIDO & DONNA WALKER

Reduce