Spring Valley Vineyard consistently makes some of the best wine in Walla Walla Valley. Three of the first seven vintages of the Uriah – their Merlot based blend – landed in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the Year. The winery, now part of Ste. Michelle Estates, is located on the Derby/Corkum family farm situated amidst rolling hills north of town.

All of Spring Valley’s recent releases are flirting with alcohol levels close to or above 15%, quite high for wines from Washington. While I prefer a little more restraint on the alcohol, I do not believe the high levels negatively affecting these wines.
Wines:
Score

 Name

 Notes

 $

**

 Spring Valley Frederick 2006

 Milk chocolate mixes with anise, rose petals, black licorice, dark berry, and cigar box aromas on a fairly elegant nose for a wine that packs such a big punch. Beautifully structured with an elegant tannin backbone that provides structure but doesn’t overpower. Will benefit from some time in the cellar. 54% Cabernet; 27% Cab Franc;10% Merlot; 7% Petit Verdot; 2% Malbec. 15.4% alcohol.

 $55

*

 Spring Valley Muleskinner Merlot 2005

 A much more opened up nose than the previous two with mocha, dark rich fruit, anise, tart cherry, and blueberries. A nose to linger over. Tart with a lot of body. Very enjoyable for the $. 100% Merlot. 14.9% alcohol.

 $36

*

 Spring Valley Nina Lee 2006

 A luscious nose loaded with fruit, including huckleberry, boysenberry and other black and blue fruit. Chocolate and anise threads wind throughout. A generous amount of tart fruit up front on the palate. 100% Syrah. 15.6% alcohol.

$50