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2008 Walker Vine Hill is an exhibition of the 2008 vintage: there was great fruit to be had, but it had to be discovered. Like Kobler and Obsidian, the vineyard was influenced by frost. Going row by row to mark the frost helped us re-discover some of the natural difference across designated “blocks” in the vineyard. We realized this small parcel has surprising variation in soil depth and water availability which leads to significant differences in cluster/berry size and over all complexity and quality. The 2008 vintage was harvested 4 times, and this led to an unveiling of the best fruit of the vintage. While excess heat in the beginning of September seemed to accelerate ripening, a significant cooling the rest of the month had us harvesting this parcel near its average date toward the beginning of October. The four harvests led to 6 fermentation lots and blending trials ensued during the summer of 09. With the mandate of “only the best,” production will be limited in 2008 but quality may well be superior to the previous two vintages for its purity, depth, breadth, length, and…silkiness. Ever heard of Synesthesia? Webster’s defines it as “a subjective sensation or image of a sense (as of color) other than the one begin stimulated.” In other words, taste and smell could invoke a sense of color for some individuals. I’ve never experienced it myself, but if I did I think it would be with Walker Vine Hill 2008. Each year this Walker Vine Hill wine evokes the color blue, like its wax top, over and over again. Pure plums and blueberry provide a dark “blue” core for other components like smoke and flint to complement. The aromatics are enticing, seductive, and have tremendous purity. The 2008 is silky and smooth, with several layers and dimensions encouraging another sip. We’d be surprised if this wine was not consumed within 5 years (it’s that hard not to throw back!), but it could certainly evolve beyond that time frame. Enjoy! | 
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