Wallflower Project Red 2020

Wallflower Project Red 2020

Grapes: Syrah, with small amounts of Pinot Noir and Grüner Veltliner

ABV: 12.5%

Region: Columbia Gorge, WA

Winemaker: Julia Bailey Gulstine

Viniculture: Grown with regenerative agriculture on Underwood Mountain in the Columbia Gorge in southern Washington.

Winemaking: fermented on skins for 3 days.

“a red beam of pure energy directed at your palate”

The Columbia Gorge is one of the most exciting places in the whole world of wine right now. Part of what makes it exciting is the variety of grapes and different styles of wine that are coming from it. Everything from sparkling to crisp whites and rich reds comes from the Gorge. Part of the reason for the variety is the true diversity of microclimates and soils, and the fact that there’s vineyards at many varying elevations, coming from both the Oregon and Washington sides of the river. 

Loop de Loop is the winemaking project of husband and wife Scott and Julia Bailey Gulstine, two well-heeled world travelers who decided to take a leap and put roots down in the emerging Columbia Gorge wine region. They could have tried more tried and true options, but to the frontier they went. And the Gorge is a frontier. They regularly encounter bobcats, black bears, and red-tailed hawks in the vineyards, many of which are above 800 feet or more in elevation!

Julia and Scott’s side project label is called Wallflower, and features wines with a more experimental bent in their production–slightly less sulfur, unconventional blends, and some of the coolest label art ever, drawn by their niece, Olivia Bailey. 

This wine came from a smoky vintage where wildfires were occurring elsewhere in Washington and Oregon, and smoke was present in the vineyard at certain points. That being said, this is not a smoky wine. An experienced taster may pick out a hint of toast or woodsmoke, but since this wine is vinified in a fresh, lively style, there’s so much more fruit to balance things out.

This is a Syrah-based wine, supported by a touch of Pinot Noir and Grüner Veltliner, and is a red beam of pure energy directed at your palate. It starts with cranberry, raspberry, and red apple skin, and gives you lots of refreshing lift on the palate. A hint of Islay whisky and salt on the finish gives it some grounded intrigue, as you go back for your third and fourth sip.