What follows is an excerpt from the 2009 Walla Walla Spring Release Weekend Report. Download the full report here (Note: Opens .pdf).

While there was a good deal of excitement about the new K Vintners wines being poured, the buzz was about a wine that was not being poured – the Charles Smith 2006 Royal City Syrah. The week prior to Spring Release Paul Gregutt of Wine Enthusiast scored this wine at 100 points, the first time Gregutt has awarded this honor to a wine. The Royal City Syrah will be released in the fall of 2009. All wines sampled at 58 degrees.

Wines:
Score

 Name

 Notes

 $

+

 2008 Rosé Walla Walla Valley

 Lightly colored. A pleasing nose with mineral, stone, and bright fruit. Light on the palate with a crisp, tart finish. 66 cases produced.

 $20

+

 2008 Viognier Columbia Valley

 Light gold color. Hay and melon with a lot of white peach thrown in on the nose and taste. Tart with abundant citrus notes. White grapefruit comes out on the nose and dominates the taste as the wine opens up.

 $20

*

 2006 Guido Walla Walla Valley

 Lightly colored. An interesting nut aroma at the fore on a fascinating nose marked by light spice, rose petals, a touch of caramel. Light and refined on the palate with soft tannins. 80% Sangiovese; 20% Syrah. 140 cases produced.

 $40

**

 2007 The Boy Walla Walla Valley

 A beautiful, earthy funkiness. Plush and full with loads of fruit. Glides along the palate to an extended finish. 90% Grenache; 10% Syrah. 340 cases produced.

 $45

*

 2007 Milbrandt Syrah Wahluke Slope

 Lush red fruit including spicy red currant and raspberry. Opens up beautifully on the palate. Lets off a little bit about two-thirds of the way through. An exceptional value.

 $25

*

 2007 Pheasant Wahluke Slope

Red licorice and rose petals mark the nose. Thick with grainy tannins on a wine that hasn’t come together completely. Tart and pleasing. Needs time but will be a powerhouse of a wine for the money. 191 cases produced.

 $35

**

 2006 Motor City Kitty Columbia Valley

 Beautiful earth, funk, and currant mix with olive and brine. A rich, gorgeous wine that coats the palate and is loaded with fruit. A steal for the money. Stoneridge Vineyard. 95 cases produced.

$30