Walson Holland Mélange Rouge 2018
Walson Holland is a small winery nestled in the Ojai Valley of Southern California. it was founded in 2018 by winemaker Benjamin (“Benny”) Holland, a seasoned winemaker, and Jonas Svensson, an Ojai-based vineyard owner.
Benjamin Holland began his career by interning at Kosta Browne in 2016, then worked harvest in Central Otago’s Amisfield in New Zealand, and later interned at the prestigious cult winery Sine Qua Non in California. There, he honed the meticulous craft and precision that now define Walson Holland’s style.
The first vintage began with modest scale: in 2018 they produced roughly 600 cases in an Oxnard warehouse, sourced from vineyard sites across California’s Central Coast—Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Alisos Canyon, Happy Canyon, the Santa Ynez Valley, and Edna Valley. Production then grew steadily, reaching around 800 to 1500 cases by 2022.
As early as 2021, the Santa Barbara Independent featured them, celebrating their Rhône-style blends, field blend approach, and urban tasting room.[Now closed, from what I could determine. The wines are currently sold in a handful of California wine shops, and on an allocation basis on their Web site.]
From the start, the winery has specialized in Rhône‑style blends—including both whites and reds—and also single‑varietal Pinot Noir and Grenache. Their wines have garnered attention from critics including California Wine Advisors and The Wine Independent, with glowing early reviews for their 2018 Grenache and later vintages.
Walson Holland’s focus is on aromatic intensity balanced with restraint and California fruit expression. Holland aims for wines that nod to traditional Rhône elegance without heaviness, while also embracing regional richness. “I’m most interested in making intensely aromatic wines, but I don’t want to overdo the palate,” Holland said. “I’m looking for restraint offset by ruggedness. I want to at least give a nod to the classics but embrace the California fruit.”
Vineyards
Walson Farms estate is an eight‑acre organic vineyard located in the heart of Ojai Valley. This former hobby site evolved into an organically-farmed vineyard under Holland’s stewardship. The focus is on Rhône-style varietals, along with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Central Coast sources such as the Duvarita Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara county. Fruit is sourced from other AVAs as well, including Alisos Canyon, Happy Canyon, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez, and Edna Valley (e.g., Slide Hill Vineyard).
Walson Holland is a compelling newcomer blending modern organic viticulture with premium craftsmanship rooted in both local Ojai farms and Central Coast acclaimed vineyards. Their approach—thoughtful, terroir-driven, Rhône-influenced—combined with praised estate and sourced wines, positions them as a standout in California’s boutique winery scene.
Walson Holland Mélange Rouge 2018
The 2018 Mélange Rouge is the winery’s inaugural red Rhône‑style blend. The grapes were 54% Syrah (from Slide Hill and Rancho Boa Vista vineyards, to blend warmer and cooler climate Syrah), 25% Grenache (from Slide Hill and Zaca Mesa vineyards, again for the warm and cool climate), 9% Graciano (Martian Ranch), 6% Petite Sirah (Tommy Town Thoroughbreds – Happy Canyon), and 6% Viognier (Jack McGinley). It spent 22 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 35% of which were new.
This deep ruby wine opens with a nose of rich, dark fruit, especially blackberry and black cherry. These continue on the palate, with the addition of some bing cherry and ripe strawberry. The oak influence and firm but polished tannins are in excellent balance. It all wraps up in a long finish with spice and fruit persistence. Overall, this wine shows the restraint that defines Holland’s style. It is well‑structured enough to hold and develop through 2028 to 2030. 400 cases produced. The ABV is 14.8%.
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